Otters’ star Naomi is best in the West

EIGHT seconds is a long time in a 100m swimming race but that was the impressive margin of victory as Naomi Vides put clear water between herself and the best in the West.

Vides, already preparing for her first national age group championships in Sheffield next month, recorded an impressive 1:20.38 to win the 11yrs 100m breaststroke at the South West age groups in Millfield's 50m pool.

Her nearest rival, Georgina Barnes, from Bath University's junior squad, clocked 1:28.52.

Vides was one of four Ferndown Otters who struck gold at Millfield, all four with comfortable victory margins.

Craig Freeman was four seconds clear of Millfield's silver medallist Tom Litten in the 13yrs 200m freestyle (2:06.72).

Danni Shrosbree had two seconds to spare as she won the girls' 11yrs 200m freestyle in 2:22.78.

And in the 13yrs 100m breaststroke, Fran Hughes's winning time of 1:18.88 was exactly a second quicker than that of runner-up Holly Campbell of Millfield.

Georgi Blake just missed out on a medal as she finished fourth in the 12yrs 100m backstroke (1:14.89).

Ellie Beckwith was placed fifth in the 10yrs 100m backstroke (1:25.12) and 100m breast- stroke (1:37.66) and seventh in the 200m freestyle (2:45.40).

Zoe Watson was sixth in the 13yrs 200m freestyle (2:17.88).

BIRTHDAY PRESENT

POOLE'S Jay Olenicz gave himself an early birthday present when he won a silver medal in the South West age groups at Millfield.

Olenicz who will be 11 on Saturday was the youngest in the event.

Had he been born two days later, he would have been in the age group below.

But the age disadvantage was not apparent as he knocked more than three seconds off his short course PB to come second in the 11yrs 100m backstroke final in 1:17.24.

Only Plymouth Leander's Ryan Hart was faster on 1:16.30 but Olenicz, who is hoping to gain a national qualifying time this weekend, pushed him hard.

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