The 2007 Kent Championships proved to yet again be a place of success for Canterbury swimmers. With a host of County champions, District and National times gained and a county record in the 15/16 and Junior boys 200m freestyle relays. As in the previous few years, Canterbury was the most successful club from the Rural region coming 2nd in the Boys points table and 3rd in the Girls. For results click here.

The competition was split over a number of weekends, and swum predominately at the Black Lion, with one gala at Tunbridge Wells and the relays at Crystal Palace. So once again the clubs from East Kent had to do most of the traveling, maybe one day we might see the competition split more considerately between areas within Kent.

Karl Botha (16yr) continuing his brilliant form for the passed year was crowned county champion in the 50m and 200m freestyle, 100m fly and back, and the 200m IM.

Another 16 year old who has been swimming exceptionally well these passed months is Angus Hewett, and he showed this form by winning the 100m freestyle. Angus was also 2nd in the 200m and 400m and 1500m freestyle, 3rd in the 100m fly and 5th in the 50m freestyle. In the Multi Disability event, Nick Bolan swimming in the S14 class won the 100m backstroke and came second in the 50 breaststroke and backstroke and also in the 100m freestyle.

Luke Smith (15yr) continued with the success he has achieved in the passed few years winning the 400m freestyle and with second in the 50m freesyle, 200m fly and 200m IM, third in the 100m fly, fourth in the 400m IM and fifth in the 100m, 200m freestle, In the Bagcat age groups Ben Watson (14) won the 800m freestyle. Ben was also second in the 100m backstroke, 3rd in the 400m IM, 4th in the 200m IM and 200m backstroke, 5th in the 400m freestyle and 50m backstroke. To round of Ben had a 6th place in the 200m freestyle. There were top 3 placing's in many events for Canterbury boys, including great swims from Ryan Powell, particularly the freestyle events with 2 silver and bronzes.

But not content with those Ryan also medalled in the IM, and breaststroke and backstroke events. Ben Walsh also grabbed silvers in all the backstroke events, medalled in the freestyle events including the grueling 1500m. There were also medals forthcoming in the 200m breaststroke and 100m IM. Guy Hewett also ended the championships with a good haul of medals. Top 3 placing in the freestyle, IM and fly events, as well as top 6 finishes in the breaststroke and backstroke races. There were top three and top six finishes for Michael Stanely, Stuart Linsdey, Louis Moore, Jazz Malcom.

Also gaining top six placing's were Ege Server, Liam Drew, Lorcan Halfacre, Aleks Krunic, Sam Giffen, Kevin Chui and Michael Lindsey. Rounding off and excellent championships there were wins in the relay events for the 13/14yr, 15/16yr and Junior boys as well as top 3 placing's for the 12 and under age group.

Now to the girls events. Again there were girls crowned champions, numerous pb's, District and National times. Erin Walsh (10yr) swam really well to win the 200m breaststroke in a big pb. There followed silver in the 200m IM and 3rd places in the 200 backstroke, 100m IM and 200m fly as well as 5th places in the 50m and 200m freestyle and 50m fly.

Success came in the relays for the girls with wins in the 12 and under 200m freestyle and medley, and top 6th placing for the 15/16 and junior girls teams.

So, another successful Kent County Championships, showing why we are one of the top clubs in Kent.