Clevedon Swimming Club’s very own famous five have returned from the World Youth Friendship Games with a handful of medals, a collection of momentos that they have swapped with other swimmers and the friendship of many of their fellow competitors.

Clockwise from top right: Joe Iles, Suzi Bowen, Alison Feboul, Chelsie Kirman, Steve Bowen

Steve Bowen landed a gold medal in the 200m Individual Medlay and silvers in the 50m breaststroke and 400m freestyle, Joe Iles won silver in the 200m backstroke and Ali Feboul struck silver in the 400m freestyle. Suzi Bowen and Chelsie Kirman both swam well and achieved personal best times in their events.

300 swimmers from 6 different countries - USA, Germany, Moldova, Poland, Holland and England - took party in the swimming competition held at Amsterdam's Olympic venue - the majestic Sloterpark swimming pool. The World Youth Friendship games attracted 7,500 athletes from 25 different countries who competed in 7 sports. The event will return next year and Clevedon will be looking to send a team back to Holland.

Steve Bowen helped to carry the English flag at the opening ceremony. The rest of the squad proudly paraded behind the Clevedon ASC flag which was making its first overseas foray. The team stayed, for the four days of the games, in tents within the Promo village and had a great time despite inclement weather. Highlights of their stay were the experience of international competition, meeting people from other countries and an extraordinary puppet show that Joe Iles staged on the wall of his tent.

Graham Feboul