For the third year running, Clevedon ASC sent a squad to represent Clevedon and England at the World Youth Friendship games held in Amsterdam. This years team of 11 swimmers was the biggest yet and they rubbed shoulders with young swimmers from Germany, USA, Holland, Liechtenstein, Scotland, Canada, Taiwan and Moldova.

Clevedon was represented by Steve Bowen, Hayley Burston, Gary Carpenter, Rosemary Harris, Ellena Ibal, Chelsie Kirman, Ruby Lynch, Laura Neal, Ryan Neath, Steff Reynolds, and India Thomas. Between them, the team managed 123 individual swims and gained 68 Personal Bests, at least one for every swimmer.

In individual swims; Steve Bowen won a Silver medal in the 400m Freestyle and Bronzes in the 50m Breaststroke and 100m Breaststroke events. India Thomas picked up the Bronze in the 100m Fly. Gary Carpenter and Ellena Ibal (2) were unlucky to finish just outside the medals in fourth places.

Clevedon entered two relays Chelsie, Hayley India and Ellena performed superbly to take the silver medal in their age group and Laura Rosemary Ruby and Steff took a very creditable seventh place. Gary picked up an unexpected Gold medal swimming for Great Britain 2 which was a scratch team put together from several clubs to take on the USA. USA won the race, but ironically were then disqualified.

The girls also put together a last minute 8 x 50m relay team and did extremely well to come fifth. The teams were meant to consist of 2 swimmers from each of 4 age groups, but our team had 4 from the youngest age group. It just shows how much talent there is in the younger age groups at the club.

The squad had a great time and made friends with other swimmers and athletes from all over the world. They behaved very well and were great ambassadors for Clevedon and its swimming club.

Back Row: Gary Carpenter, Ryan Neath, Steve Bowen
Middle: India Thomas, Rosemary Harris, Chelsie Kirman, Hayley Burston, Ellena Ibal
Front: Laura Neal, Ruby Lynch, Steff Reynolds

Graham Feboul
Press Officer