Cooper's storming finish nets Youth Olympics gold

Leicestershire's Harriet Cooper stormed to gold at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Turkey yesterday.The City of Leicester swimmer powered to victory in the 100 metres backstroke at Trabzon minutes after finishing fifth in the 50m freestyle.

The 14-year-old trailed Russian Daria Ustinova for most of the final but finished strongly, touching home in a personal- best time of 1 minute 2.73 seconds.

However, Cooper said that she was never worried during the race."Going into the final as the fastest qualifier was a real confidence boost for me and it made me really confident about the race," she added."Despite having the freestyle just before it, I was still confident and I thought it was going to be a lot worse than it actually was."I am probably at the fittest I have been right now and that showed in the pool as I won and recorded a personal best at the same time, which was great."It makes me really proud to have won this gold medal for my country."It is just such an amazing feeling to be on the podium with the national anthem ringing out."I felt in great shape and I am just really pleased to have won the gold, even if I did have to leave it late."She also clocked a personal best, 26.51 seconds, in the freestyle event.Cooper's impressive Turkish trip, she also finished fourth in Monday's 4x100m freestyle relay, is far from over with the 4x100m medley relay scheduled for today.The Loughborough High School student said: "This gold was amazing but I am not done yet."Confidence is really high with myself and the rest of the team."We think that we can go out there and swim really fast and win the gold."I just want to play my part, put in a strong performance and end on another high with another gold – that is the aim."

NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 5

City of Leicester finished the 2011 British Gas National Age Groups on an absolute high with another very successful session! The 400IM heats in the morning saw Candice Hall, Chloe Sparrow, Isaac Peace and Elliot Tointon finishing their individual performances this week, with Hannah Knight, Harriet West and the girls 4 x 100 medley team (Millie Leader, Megan Morrison, Harriet West and Candice Hall) progressing through to the finals session. Hannah and Harriet were rewarded for their un-breakable form over the week by awards for their top 10 finishes in their respective age Bagcat awards (Hannah 10th 11yrs and Harriet 4th 13yrs). Hannah put in yet another storming performance and finished her week of racing with a personal best time and 6th place finish in the I.M. Harriet West then added another medal to her tally showing her fight and finishing 3rd in a new personal best time. Having gone through to the final in the fastest spot, the pressure was on for the girls in the relay, but in amazing style they stepped up to the mark and touched home in gold medal position!! What a finish to the week, bringing COLSC's medal tally up to 9 (2 gold, 3 silver 4 bronze) plus 2 bagcat top 10 positions, and 2nd girls club (13th overall). A fantastic end to a brilliant 5days in Sheffield, and one very happy coach!! :-)

NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 4

The penultimate day draws to a close as City of Leicester's most successful so far this week. Isaac Peace kicked off the session with the 200m FC, Candice Hall was back in action setting a personal best in the 100m BK, followed by Harriet West making the 13yrs final. Chloe Sparrow put in her first swim of the meet straight through to the 12yrs 100Brst final followed by Megan Morrison for the 13yrs, and the girls finished the session in style qualifying for the 4 x 200 FC final in 5th place (Candice Hall, Harriet West, Megan Morrison, Zoe Tildesley). Harriet started the final session in a field that was wide open, and with last nights 4th place in the back of her head she was determined not to let it happen again and added to her medal collection with a silver medal. Chloe put up a good fight in the 12yrs 100Brst, her first national final, and Megan Morrison swam a personal best to pick up a bronze medal in the 13yrs. It was then time for the 4 x 200 relay, and with the girls buzzing from the 2 medals already picked up, all 4 girls swam out of their skin to step up from going in 5th, to finishing in bronze medal position, fighting off and narrowly touching out regional rival Nova Centurian into 4th points by hundredths of a second! With the medal tally at 7, COLSC are looking strong going into the final day of competition

NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 3

Another day, another medal for COLSC at the National Age Group Championships. The morning session saw Hannah Knight and Harriet West competing in the 200m FC, Jonathon Bennett set a personal best time and won his heat in the 200m BK, followed by Elliot Tointon competing in the 14yrs age group in the same event. The girls were then back in the pool, Hannah and Harriet both qualifying for the final in the 200m Fly. The boys finished the morning session with the 4x200FC relay (Derry Foran, Elliot Tointon, Issac Peace and Tommy Smith). The girls returned for the afternoon session and put in two outstanding performances, Hannah swam with guts and determination to her first national medal - bronze in a 4 second pb, and Harriet put in the swim of her meet so far, dropping 5 seconds on her personal best, but it was a bittersweet end in a very closely contested final, the top 4 girls all touching in a line but this time Harriet was just touched out into 4th place, despite a phenomenal time and being 5 seconds ahead of the rest of the pack!

NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 2

A fantastic second day at Ponds Forge for City of Leicester at the National Age Group Championships. Isaac Peace put in a full morning of swimming with solid swims in the 12yrs 200 fly and 200 I.M, and finished off his first day of racing with a gutsy performance in the 1500m FC. Harriet West and Hannah Knight secured another afternoon at the pool qualifying for the finals of the 100m fly, and Harriet West transferred this into the clubs first gold of the meet as 100m fly national champion. Megan Morrison joined the girls today in the 13yrs 200m Breaststroke, storming through to the final and picking up her first National medal in 2nd place. Candice Hall added another individual swim in the 100m fly in a personal best time, and finished off the day, with the girls 4x100 relay team (Harriet West, Candice Hall, Joy Willett and Zoe Tildesley), all swimming faster than their entry time to make it into the final and finishing competitively in 6th place.

COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

Sophie Smith has been selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Youth Games 2011.

Sophie gained selection from performances at Senior National Championships in June.

This international will take place in the Isle of Man during September. At this meet Sophie will contest the Medley, Freestyle individual events and the Medley, Freestyle teams.

ASA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011

At the ASA National Championships Sophie Smith, Jamie Thorpe and Tsubasa Nakagawa represented COLSC at the four day meet.  Sophie qualified for four finals placing 8th 200m Freestyle, 8th 200m Ind.Medley , 6th 100m Freestyle, 4th 50m Freestyle. Both freestyle events were new county senior records.  Jamie Thorpe placed 19th in the 100m butterfly, 8th in the 50m Butterfly, 11th in a new personal best in the 50m Freestyle. Tsubasa Nakagawa put a strong performance in the 50m freestyle placing 12th and set a huge lifetime best on the 100m Freestyle setting a new county senior record. This meet was not ideally placed coming straight after GCSE and A Level exams and mid way through the swimmers training cycle.

MIDLAND AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011

At the Midland Age Group Championships the club sent its biggest number of qualifiers ever. 59 swimmers competed over the two weekends producing our highest total of finals and podium placings.  The club finished with 58 medalsin totalthe highest in the region and one gold short of top club. Regional champions included Harriet Cooper, Harriet West, Hannah Knight, Megan Morrison, Paige Raynar and Issy Jones. Team Champions included the Girls 4x100m Freestyle and the 4x100m Medley team. Other podium performances came from Candice Hall, Chloe Sparrow, Emily Hatfield, Eve Coulter, Jake Spicer, Derry Foran, Elliot Tointon, Isaac Peace, Tommy Smith, Ryan Gordon, Jonathan Bennett, and the 4x200m Freestyle male and female teams.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS GAMES

A trio of swimmers from the club will form part of a multi sports team competing for Leicester City at the annual International Children's Games. Harriet Cooper, Harriet West and Elliot Tointon will join former club member Ellis Kube traveling to Scotland in August to compete against major international cities from around the world.

Aspiring World Performers Programme

Sophie Smith is one of a group of exciting, young swimmers inducted into a new Aspiring World Performers Programme (AWPP) by British Swimming.

The programme is designed to support and enhance an athlete’s potential to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and beyond. 

Sixteen swimmers have the honour of being the first group to be selected for the programme which will provide additional support above and beyond that currently provided in the daily training environment. 

THORPE RECIEVES ICAP SCHOLARSHIP

After being nominated by the ASA England Talent Programme for performances in 2010/2011. Jamie Thorpe is to be supported by the ICAP Scholarship Programme. Jamie is one of 21 athletes across all sports to receive vital funding to achieve his full potential.

For further information please link to

http://www.youthsporttrust.org/page/news-story/icap-scholars-for-2011/index.html

TRIO OF WORLD CLASS POTENTIAL

After outstanding performances at the British Swimming Championships in March. Sophie Smith has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Junior Championships in Peru during August. Harriet Cooper has received her nomination to also represent Great Britain at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Turkey during August. Both swimmers will be competing at these Championships for the first time. Head Coach Alex Dawson will also be making the trip to the World Juniors as a Great Britain Group Coach.

Both Sophie Smith and Jamie Thorpe have been selected to the British Swimming World Class Development Programme. They will both receive vital funding and access to world class resources.

WISE INTERNATIONAL GOLD

On her first international duty for England, Harriet Cooper returned from Dublin with two individual gold medals.

Contesting the 100m Backstroke and Freestyle events Harriet produced two personal best swims to secure gold.

Harriet also claimed a further two gold medals in the 4x100m Medley and Freestyle team events.

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

City of Leicester head coach Alex Dawson hailed an "outstanding" week of performances from his club's swimmers at the British Gas National Championships in Manchester.

The highlight of eight days of competition was a bronze medal for Sophie Smith in the 200m individual medley. But Dawson was also delighted with the performances of Harriet Cooper, Harriet West, Jamie Thorpe, Tsubasa Nakagawa and Jack Warren-Ballard.

Smith and Cooper both had international targets in their sights, Smith aiming for the World Junior championships while Cooper was homing in on a place at the European Youth Olympics. Both have reached the selection criteria for their respective events.

Thorpe and Nakagawa faced stringent tests. Thorpe just missed out on a medal in the 50m butterfly but then put in a fine swim to finish fifth in the 100m.Tsubasa made the semi-finals in the 50m freestyle.

Jack Warren Ballard and Harriet West both at their first British Championships delivered solid performances in their events and then went onto have extremely successful County Championships.

COLSC AWARDS

During an extremely successful 2010 for the swimming club there have been many individual performance highlights and exceptional training commitments. The swimming club would like to congratulate the following swimmers:

Sophie Smith Youth Female Performance of the Year

Emily Warren Ballard Youth Female Trainer of the Year

Jamie Thorpe Youth Male Performance of the Year

Brendan ChadwickYouth Male Trainer of the Year

Harriet West Age Female Performance of the Year

Anna Zair Age Female Trainer of the Year

Issac Peace Age Male Performance of the Year

Jack Melia Age Male Trainer of the Year

Daisy Platts Development Female Performance of the Year

Sarah Harstshorne Development Female Trainer of the Year

Simon Scully Development Male Performance of the Year

Kieran Wheatley Development Male Trainer of the Year

YOUNGSTER SHINE AT ZONAL MEET

At the new zonal meet Cooper and West lead the way for COLSC. Cooper claimed three junior titles in the 50m, 100m Backstroke and the 100m Freestyle events. Harriet West secured two silver and one bronze medal in the 100m,200m butterfly and 400m Ind.medley.

Jack Warren Ballard also had a podium finish in the 100m backstroke. Jack Faulkner, Tom Quittenton and Candice Hall all had final placings.

Overall the club achieved 8th place in the top club award. A great achievement by a young squad. click here for results

SMITH GB STAR

City of Leicester Swimming Club's Sophie Smith achieved two top-three finishes on her second Senior appearance for the Great Britain squad.The 16-year-old travelled to Essen, Germany, as one of a 33-strong squad for the "Duel in the Pool" against the host country. Smith was third in 4min 46.73 sec in the 400m medley, an event in which British swimmers landed a clean sweep. Olympian Hannah Miley won the race with Commonwealth finalist Aimee Willmott second.

Smith was also runner-up to Miley in the 200m medley, clocking 2-16.66 which – like her 400m time – was just outside her personal best. Germany won the event by 240-195

LEICESTER MERCURY SPORTS AWARDS

COLSC sports awards nominees Alex Dawson(Coach of the Year), Sophie Smith (Young Sportswomen of the Year) and Harriet Cooper (Junior Sportswomen of the Year) all claimed the sporting hon ours at the annual awards evening held at the Walkers Stadium.

In a year to remember COLSC nominees faced tough competition from all amateur and professional sports but came away as the standout sporting achievers in Leicestershire for 2010.

COOPER IN RECORD BREAKING FORM

At the recent Burns Open Meet Harriet Cooper smashed the Girls 13yrs 50m Backstroke British Age Group Record. Harriet set a time of 30.12 breaking the record by 0.31.

Harriet Cooper now joins a select group of swimmers at City of Leicester Swimming Club who have broken and hold 9 British Records between them. Jamie Thorpe, Tsubasa Nakagawa ,Sophie Smith and Harriet Cooper all now look to send this number into double figures at the forthcoming British Championships in March.

Competing at the Leicester Distance Meet in December 2010 Sophie Smith continued her record breaking year by destroying the Senior Regional Female 1500m Freestyle Short Course Record by over 20 seconds. This was the first time Sophie competed at this distance.

SECOND SENIOR GB CALL FOR SMITH

During February 2011 Sophie Smith will be competing for Great Britain in Germany as apart of a GB Duel in the Pool team.

Sophie will team up with the likes of Hannah Miley, Jaz Carlin, Jemma Lowe amongst others as they go head to head with an all star Germany team.

EURO SHORT COURSE SEMI FINAL SUCCESS

Competing at her first Senior International Championships Sophie Smith returns with two top sixteen finishes. Competing against world class athletes from across europe Sophie contested the 100m, 200m and 400m Ind.Medley. After a nervous start Sophie finished in 13th place in the 200m event missing the final by 0.6 on day one. With more confidence Sophie powered through to the Semi-finals of the 100m setting a new Senior County Record by 1 second on day two. Again Sophie finished 12th missing the final by 0.4. On the last day of the meet Sophie finished in 18th for the 400m event.

REGIONAL SHORT COURSE

At the recent Regional Short Course Championships at Corby International Pool COLSC returned with 39 top 8 placing's, 13 medallists and 5 Regional Senior Champions. Maintaining COLSC place as the top swimming club in the region.

Regional Champions include Tsubasa Nakagawa and Sophie Smith. Medallists include Harriet Cooper, Harriet West, Jamie Thorpe, Jack Warren - Ballard and Fletcher Priestley. Top 8 placing's included Grace Callaghan, James Teagle, Matt Hincks and Brendan Chadwick

Cooper wins gold at English Schools Divisional Championship finals

TOP CLUB AT LINCOLN VULCANS MEET

City started their season off in style at Ponds Forge, Sheffield. All squads attended the first meet of the season and turned up the pressure on local rivals to bring home the top club award.

Highlights included several swimmers achieving their national qualifying times at the first opportunity. These included Sophie Smith, Harriet West, Harriet Cooper, Tsubasa Nakagawa, Jamie Thorpe and Jack Warren-Ballard.

There was also plenty of Regional qualifying swims throughout a tough days competition.

THORPE CROWNED SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPION

Jamie Thorpe on the last day of the 2009/2010 season was crowned Senior 50m Butterfly National Champion at the ASA National Championships . Competing against his senior rivals. Jamie led the whole race to claim his first National title and finished in a new British Age Group Record.

SMITH PIPPED TO THE POST

After a fantastic season which has included representing Great Britain, England, claiming 2 European Junior Championship Titles, 5 ASA National Youth Championship title, setting 2 British Junior Short Course Records and 2 British Age Group Records Sophie Smith came within inches of making her Senior International debut at the Commonwealth Trials. After an intense period of competition Sophie swam at the trials competing in 5 senior National finals finishing a respectable 4th in the 200m Ind.Medley against a high quality field including many Great Britain international swimmers. This was Sophies first opportunity to qualify for a Senior International time and will not be the last.

COOPER AND WEST CLAIM MEDALS

On Day 3 Harriet West claimed her second medal of the National Age Group Championships. Competing in the Girls 200m Butterfly West set a lifetimes best to finish in the Bronze medal position.

Continuing this success Harriet Cooper on Day 4 swam to the Silver medal in the Girls 13yrs 100m Backstroke final. Smashing her personal best Harriet returns with one medal and 5 National Age Group finals to her name.

Well Done Girls!!!!

ASA NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 4 & 5

During day 4 & 5 at Ponds Forge Sheffield isaac Peace completed the Freestyle triple by qualifying for the Boys 11yrs 200m Freestyle final placing his highest finish of 5th. Not stopping there Isaac also swam the 100m Butterfly. Taking his total to 4 National Age Group Finals.

Harriet West doubled up the Girls 12yrs Butterfly, Backstroke and Ind.Medley event finals. Making a final tally of 8 National Age Group Finals.

The Girls Ind.Medley team of Candice Hall, Megan Morrison, Harriet West and Harriet Cooper finished a respectable 9th.

WEST MAKES PODIUM AT NATIONALS

Day 2 produced the first medal for City of Leicester and Harriet West. Competing in the Girls 12yrs 100m Butterfly Harriet swam a huge personal best to take the Silver medal.

After making her first National final last year Harriet has now taken her first step on to the podium a year on.

Congratulations!!!!

ASA NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 2 & 3

During day two and three of competition Isaac Peace, Elliott Tointon, Jack Warren Ballard, Harriet West and the Girls 4x100m Freestyle Team all progressed from the mornings heats to the finals sessions.

Isaac competing in the Boys 11yrs 100m Freestyle and 400m Freestyle events swam to 6th and 7th place finishes. Elliott and Jack both contested the Boys 13yrs and 14yrs 200m Backstroke finishing 9th and 4th.

The Girls Freestyle Relay Team of Harriet Cooper, Candice Hall, Alex Henson and Harriet West swam a exceptional final narrowly missing the bronze medal by 0.02 seconds.

During Day ones finals sessions Lewis Thickpenny, Harriet West and Harriet Cooper all stepped up to the challenge of competing against Britain's best Age Group Swimmers and improved upon their heat times and set lifetime bests.

Lewis finish 7th place in the Boys 11yrs 200m Breaststroke. Harriet West 6th in the Girls 12yrs 200m Ind.Medley and Harriet Cooper 6th in the Girls 13yrs 100m Freestyle just 0.30 from the podium. Strong performances from these swimmers as they search for podium places.

ASA NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 1

On the first day of the ASA National Age Group Championships 7 City of Leicester swimmers took to Sheffield's Ponds Forge waters. After very competitive heats Lewis Thick penny, Harriet West and Harriet Cooper progressed through to the day one finals. Lewis will contest the Boys 11yrs 200m Breaststroke, West the Girls 12yrs 200m Ind.Medley & 200m Backstroke, Cooper the 100m Freestyle & 200m Backstroke.

Jack Warren Ballard and George Cooper swam lifetime bests and narrowly missed out on a final placing. Jack finishing 11th and George finishing 15th both within 0.40 from the 10th spot.

Isaac Peace, Jonathan Crow swam there first ever National heats and look to improve later in the competition.

SPONSORED RUN

In September 2010, COLSC Age Group Coach Suzi Bowen will be doing a sponsored run, in memory of COLSC member Sophie Konderak who tragically passed away during training last September. Suzi will be completing the run with Sophies father John, to raise money for the CRY charity (Cardiac Risk in the Young). Cry aim to raise awareness of conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac death and sudden death syndrome, and offer support to those who have suffered a bereavement. We aim to raise £1000, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Sophie_Konderak to sponsor Suzi and John on this run.

SMITH DOUBLES UP FOR TEAM GB

Sophie Smith capped a successful performance at the European Junior Swimming Championships with her second gold medal and the fourth medal for the British Team, powered by British Gas.

Smith won her first gold in the 400m Individual Medley and secured her Medley double with an impressive swim in the 200m Individual Medley today.

Smith claimed the gold medal in a time of 2:14.48 and after her race commented: "I've loved the whole experience. I've swum well and enjoyed being part of the team

SMITH STORMS TO GOLD!!!

Sophie Smith on the first day of the LEN European Junior Swimming Championships got the GB team off to an excellent start as she took Britain’s first gold of the Championships swimming to the Girl’s 400m Individual Medley title. Sophie turned in third after the first 100m but was leading from the front by the second half of the race.Smith maintained her dominance and paced the race well to touch the wall in a British Age Group Record of 4:44.46 taking gold ahead of Spain’s Beatriz Gomez Cortes and Italy’s Alessia Polieri."I felt confident going into the last 100 metres and knew I could pull out a sprint finish,” said Smith. “I'm really happy".

Debuting at the annual Regional Open Water Championships Brendan Chadwick lead 7 City of Leicester swimmers to glory at Bosworth Water Park.

Competing in the 3km event Brendan swam a confident controlled race swimming through the pack over the first 1km then became part of a 4 man break away group finishing with a sprint to move from 3rd to 1st to take the Boys 12-16yrs 3km title. Brendan now looks forward to competing at the ASA National Open Water Championships in August.

In the 1.5km competition Jack Warren - Ballard finished 7th leading Jake Spicer, Elliot Tointon, Derry Foran, James Teagle andNathan Birchenall to respectable finishes in the 12-16yrs age category. Great swimming for their first open water event.

REGIONAL AGE GROUP SUCCESS 14 jun 2010

After two weekends of fast and furious swimming COLSC finished the Midland Age Group Championships with a medal tally of 10 Gold 10 Silver and 17 Bronze. For COLSC this is the second highest total achieved and confirms the club as the second most successful Age Group programme in the Midlands.

Midland Age Group Champions are:

Harriet West, Harriet Cooper, Megan Morrison, Hannah Knight, Girls 4x100m Freestyle Team.

At the last opportunity of the season George Cooper qualifies for the National Age Group Championships. After missing the qualifying time at Millfield Meet George powered his way to now compete in the Boys 11yrs 100m and 200m Backstroke at Ponds Forge in July.

Check the full list of qualifiers on the Competition page.

CITYS GOLDEN GIRLS 07 june 2010

Competing at the first weekend of the Midland Regional Age Group Championships Megan Morrison, Hannah Knight, Harriet Cooper, and Harriet West all returned fron Coventry as Midland Regional Age Group Champions. Knight and Cooper both claimed double gold medals against the best swimmers from the Midlands.

After competing at the Regional Youth Championships the Boys 4x100m Freestyle and Medley team have qualified to compete at this years ASA National Youth Championships. The Freestyle team go into the championship in second place after becoming Regional Youth champions.

Not to be left out the Girls 4x100m Medley team have also qualified to compete at the ASA National Championships.

Competing at the Millfield Meet of Legends, Megan Morrison has finally made the transition from Regional Age Group Champion to National Age Group qualifier. Megan has qualified to compete in the Girls 12yrs 200m Breaststroke at the National Age Group Championships this summer.

At the East Midland Region Distance Time Trial Chloe Sparrow became the twentieth COLSC swimmer to achieve a National Qualifying Time.

Competing in the 800m Freestyle Chloe swam well inside the Girls 11yrs qualifying time.

COLSC will now be sending its largest team to the Nationals held in July and August at Ponds Forge Sheffield.

YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP MEDAL RUSH 03 may 2010

COLSC Youth Squad swimmers returned from the Midland Regional Youth Championships with the clubs highest medal haul ever. During a heavy competition schedule where racing tough was the philosophy. 15 of the 21 strong squad return having qualified for Regional Finals. A further 11 went on to podium at the event.

Highlights include the Boys 15-17yrs 4x100m Freestyle Team who qualify to National Championships as the second fastest team in the country. Brendan Chadwick, Jack Faulkner, Ellis Jeffery, Matt Hincks and Fletcher Preistley all making finals at their first Regional Youth Championships. Carla Read, Clare Ashmore, Grace Callaghan and Sophie Smith dominating all the girls events. Jamie Thorpe, Tsubasa Nakagawa, James Grieve and Adam Trussler presence on the podium in the 17-18yrs age category.

SMITH SMASHES GB JUNIOR RECORD 26 apr 2010

Sophie Smith has continued her fine form by smashing the British Junior Short Course 200m Ind.Medley Record at the COLSC Age Group Meet. Having just missed the record twice before Sophie has now lowered the new record to 2.10.95 taking over two seconds of the previous record held by rival Anne Bochmann. During a busy competition period Sophie has broken two British Junior Short Course Records, 6 Regional Short Course Records,1 Senior Regional Short Course Record and 2 Junior Long Course Records. These amazing performances maintain Sophies position as one of up and coming talents of British Swimming.

MEMORIAL AWARDS 26 apr 2010

During the City of Leicester Age Group Meet both Tess Mitchell and Brendan Chadwick were awarded the Sophie Konderak and Keith Moulding Awards.

Tess and Brendan endured a difficult 2009 but have endeavored to achieve in 2010.

Congratulations

COLSC ACHIEVE BRITISH SWIMMING

DEVELOPMENT CLUB STATUS 26 apr 2010

British Swimming have confirmed that COLSC have achieved Development Club Status for a one year period.

After fantastic results at the recent British Gas Swimming Championships from the clubs swimmers British Swimming are to invest and develop an already successful programme.

COLSC will be receive funding and support services to the coaches and athletes to continue its long term development of the Leicestershire Athlete Talent Pathway.

RECORDS TUMBLE 12 apr 2010

After a busy competition period for City of Leicester a host of County, Regional and British Records have been set by several of the clubs swimmers. Grace Callaghan continued to lower the 50m and 100m Breaststroke County Senior Records. Jack Faulkner and Brendan Chadwick claimed their first County Junior record. Jamie Thorpe set new County, Regional records for Ind.Medley and Butterfly. Jamie also set a new British Age Group Record in the 50m Butterfly. Sophie Smith continued to set new records at County Junior and Senior level for all events and she also lowered her own Regional Junior records and set new benchmarks in freestyle and backstroke at Regional Junior level. Sophie has also achieved her first British Junior Record in the 100m Ind.Medley.

SMITH MAKES GB JUNIOR TEAM 12 apr 2010

During the British Gas Swimming Championships Sophie Smith qualified in style for the Great Britain European Junior Team.

Sophie will be competing in Helsinki - Finland during July. After last years disappointment of just missing qualification Sophie qualified after making her first senior final. Competing in the 200m Ind.medley Sophie finished an impressive 5th and smashed the qualifying standard set by British Swimming.

Sophie is also a contender to compete in the 100m & 200m Freestyle individual and relay events subject to selection policy

BRITISH GAS QUALIFIERS STORM apr 01 2010

After a fantastic week of swimming at the British Gas Swimming Championships in Sheffield. Sophie Smith, Grace Callaghan, Tsubasa Nakagawa and Jamie Thorpe returned triumphant after producing scintillating performance to mix with Great Britians elite performers.

Tsuabasa achieved a place in the Mens 50m Freestyle Semi Final unfortunately just missing the final. Grace doubled up on her return to competitive swimming to make the 50m & 100m Womens Breaststroke Semi Final. Sophie Smith continued her rise to the top by achieving her first Senior finals in the 100m Butterfly and 200m Ind.Medley. Sophie also made three ohter individua Semi Finals. Jamie Thorpe also achieved his first Semi Final in the 100m Butterfly and to go one better he made the 50m Butterfly Final and topped this with a Bronze medal performance.

THORPE SHOCKS BRITISH ELITE apr 01 2010

At the recent British Gas Swimming Championships held at Ponds Forge Sheffield, Jamie Thorpe smashed the British Gas 17yrs Age Group Record on his way to a Bronze medal finish in the Mens 50m Butterfly. After progressing through the Heats and the Semi Finals Jamies long quest to break a British Record was finally achieved.

COLSC AWARDS jan 25 2010

During an extremely successful 2009 for the swimming club there have been many individual performance highlights and exceptional training commitments. The swimming club would like to congratulate the following swimmers:

Sophie Smith Youth Female Performance of the Year

Fay Willett Youth Female Trainer of the Year

Jamie Thorpe Youth Male Performance of the Year

Tom Quittenton Youth Male Trainer of the Year

Harriet Cooper Age Female Performance of the Year

Candice Hall Age Female Trainer of the Year

Issac Peace Age Male Performance of the Year

Brad Capell Age Male Trainer of the Year

Hannah Knight Development Female Performance of the Year

Lily Beal Development Female Trainer of the Year

Regan Jeffrey Development Male Performance of the Year

Patrick Stone Development Male Trainer of the Year

BURNS MEET STARS 01 feb 2010

Both Youth Squads competed at City of Derby and Burns open meet in January.  Highlights from each meet included Jamie Thorpe producing solid performance to come within 0.19 of the 50m Butterfly British Age Group Record. Grace Callaghan returned to competition after 3 Years to qualify for British Championships, Senior National Championships and smash the 50m Breaststroke County Record. Sophie Smith continued her presence across all events by breaking 2 County Records in the 50m and 200m Backstroke. Clare Ashmore just missing her British Championship qualifying time in the 200m Butterfly. Brad Matthews breaking his own 50m Breaststroke County Record.  All other swimmers continued their progress to qualifying for National Championships.

Harriet Cooper also competed qualifiying in the 100m Backstroke for the British Championships.

COUNTY DEVELOPMENT SQUADS ON FORM 18 jan 2010

Both County Development Squads competed at three meets in January, with swimmers carefully selected for the each meet that met their competition needs.
At the City of Derby meet the County Development Squad consisted of a team of 10 swimmers who between them totalled over 50 personal bests, 8 Midland qualifying times,( Regan Jeffrey, Jordan Jeffery, Hannah Knight) 6 finalists, 2 silver medal winners and 2 bronze medal winners. Being a level 1 meet these swimmers took on the challenge of Ponds Forge with great enthusiasm and achieved fantastic results.
The following week saw one swimmer at the Rotherham metro meet Jack Melia who gained his first Midland qualifying time by a good margin, and 12 swimmers at the City of Coventry Meet.  An impressive haul of 47 personal best times, 14 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 9 bronze medals. The day was topped off with Lily Beal winning the 11 year girls Bagcat award.

COLSC TAKE TOP CLUB AWARD 18 jan 2010

City of Leicester age group squads competed at the City of Derby and Rotherham Metro open meets this January.  The club returned from Derby with a haul of medals, 5 swimmers achieving top 3 BAGCAT positions in their respective age groups as well as being awarded top club of the meet. 12 year old Harriet Cooper was on top form achieving her first British Championship qualifying time in 50m Freestyle, as well as her first age group national qualifying time of this year for 100m backstroke. Harriet West and Isaac Peace also confirmed their attendance at this year’s national championships with Harriet qualifying in the 100m and 200m butterfly, and Isaac affirming his qualification in 400m freestyle and gaining extra qualification in 200m freestyle.  The remaining age group swimmers competed the following weekend in the Rotherham Metro open meet. This was another successful weekend; with every swimmer gaining either a medal or speeding ticket (for swimming faster than the entry time) and PB’s galore. Well done to all swimmers who competed.

Meet Results click here->

CALLAGHAN MAKES IMPRESSIVE RETURN jan 11 2010

Making an impressive return to competitive swimming after a long absence Grace smashed the 50m Breaststroke County Senior Record at the first and second attempt competing at the Leeds Christmas Cracker Meet and City of Derby Meet over the Christmas period.

Grace also swam the 100m Breaststroke and qualified for the ASA Senior National Championships at the first attempt. Her sights are now set on qualification to the British Gas Championships.

WORLD SCHOOL GAMES dec 14 09

CITY ACES SPEED TO CLUTCH OF MEDALS 16 nov 09

COLSC landed a clutch of medals in the Midlands Short Course Champion at the Corby International Pool. They set 40 personal best, 15 County Records and 4 Junior Regional Records on the way to 12 Junior and 5 Senior titles achieving the Second place Top Club spot behind Loughborough University.

Jamie Thorpe won the Mens 100m Butterfly and picked up the Bronze in the Mens 50m Butterfly. Bradley Matthews and Jack Faulkner made it a clean sweep of the Boys Junior Breaststroke for their first ever Regional Short Course titles. Ellis Jeffrey picked up a Bronze in the Junior 50m Backstroke. James Grieve, Tom Quittenton and Fletcher Priestley also achieved top 8 placing in both Junior and Senior events.

Sophie Smith continues her dominance of the Region by claming 8 Junior and 4 Senior titles along with 4 Junior Regional Records. Her titles include the 100m,200,400m Ind.Medley Junior and Senior, 50m,100m,200m, Freestyle Junior, 50m,100m Butterfly Junior and the 200m Freestyle Senior title. Sophie also lowered her 100m Butterfly 200m Freestyle, 200m, 400m Ind.Medley Junior Regional Records.

Clare Ashmore continued her return to form winning the Girls Junior 200m Butterfly and picking up Bronze in the 400m Freestyle and Ind Medley. Clare also qualified for 3 Senior Finals finishing 4th,6th and 7th.

Carla Read qualified for a 3 Senior Finals finishing 6th,5th,4th for the 50m,100m,200m Breaststroke. Beth Shelton achieved 8th Junior in the 50m Freestyle.

COLSC ON FORM AT ESSA NATIONALS 09 nov 09

Six COLSC swimmers represented Leicestershire Schools at the National Championships at Crystal Palace after competing in local and regional rounds. Jamie Thorpe and Tsubasa Nakagawa where part of the 4x100m Freestyle Relay Team that set a new National record on the way to a gold medal.

Jack Warren – Ballard competing at this level for the first time achieved a Bronze medal in the Junior Boys 100m Backstroke and Jamie Thorpe also finished in the Bronze medal spot in the Senior Boys 100m Butterfly.  Sophie Smith finished a respectable 5th in the Open 400m Freestyle and achieved the Bronze medal in the intermediate 200m Ind.medley. Carla read and Clare Ashmore both made their respective finals in the Intermediate Girls 100m Breaststroke and 100m Butterfly.

CITY TAKE TOP CLUB AT VULCANS MEET 26 oct 09

City of Leicester Swimming Club returned from Ponds Forge, Sheffield with the majority of swimmers achieving Regional Qualifying Times, several National Qualifying Times and the Top Club award beating several high profile Clubs.

Taking almost the whole club to its first competition of the season showed COLSC continual dominance of swimming in the Region.

Throughout the weekend there was many highlights including Isaac Peace achieving his first ever National Times.

COLSC GOLDEN TRIO 09 sept 09

City of Leicester swimmers Sophie Smith, James Grieve and Jamie Thorpe were crowned UK Champions whilst competing at the UK School Games in Swansea. The trio also claimed several other individual and team relay medals helping the England Central Team retain the UK School Games Title.

Sophie Smith swam 2:19.66 in the Women’s 200m IM to take the gold and the Games Record. Smith who has just come off the back of her most successful National Championships ever, where she claimed a gold, two silver and three bronze medals, was pleased with how the meet has been going so far.
 
“It feels really good, I came here wanting a medal and to get the record as well is great. We got the relay gold's as well so we’ve all done brilliantly,” said Smith.
“It’s my second time here and it’s always a really good atmosphere and we have had a good time. My ambition is to compete in the Olympics and I think that this is good preparation.”

Sixteen-year-old James Grieve was one of England Central’s star performers taking top honours in the Men’s 200m Freestyle with a time of 1:56.33.
 
“I didn’t know what to expect: I’ve only been in the water three times since Nationals so to come away with the gold is great,” said Grieve.
“It’s the first time I’ve competed at UK School Games and I’m really enjoying it. I went to the Opening Ceremony last night as well which was pretty cool.”Jamie Thorpe also competing in his first games took the Mens 100m Butterfly title and games record in a time of 56.33.  Taking the UK School Games title tops an amazing year in which Jamie claimed his first individual medal at the recent ASA Youth National Championship.

SMITH CONTINUES TO SHINE aug 09 09

After dominating National Youth Championships, 200m Freestyle National Champion Sophie Smith re-wrote the Regional Junior record books at the British Gas Swimming Grand Prix in Leeds.

Sophie Smashed no less than 6 Regional Short Course Records over the 4 day event. Competing against the British and Canadian World Championship and Tri Nation Teams Sophie claimed the 100m/200m/400m Freestyle, 50m/100m Butterfly, 100m/200m/400m Ind.medley records. During the meet Sophie also swam under the British Junior Short Course 200m Ind.medley Record. Congratulations!!!

YOUTH SQUAD DESTROY NATIONAL RIVALS aug 03 09

With expectations high going into the British Gas National Youth Championships, COLSC Youth Squad did not disappoint. Achieving no less than 11 Semi-Final and 14 Finals which produced 17 County Records, 3 Regional Junior Records and 1 former British Age Group Record. A haul of 3 Bronze, 3 silver and 1 gold lifted COLSC to top Regional Youth Club and 6th British Youth Club.

Finalist included James Grieve, Jamie Thorpe, Tsubasa Nakagawa, Carla Read and Sophie Smith. From these Finalists Jamie Thorpe achieved his first ever National Bronze medal in the 15/16yrs 100m Butterfly. Sophie Smith also achieved her first ever Regional Long Course Records on her way to 6 medals and being crowned National Champion in the 14/15yrs 200m Freestyle. Tsubasa Nakagawa narrowly missing a medal recorded a swim under British age group record time maintaining his continual record breaking improvement since he was 14yrs old. James Grieve qualified for his first ever final in the 15/16yrs 200m Freestyle were he was watched by the Scottish Swimming Development Coach looking to add him to the their successful programme and Carla Read who qualified for both 14/15yrs 100m/200m Breaststroke adding to her 4 year reign at the top of National Breaststroke swimming.

AGE GROUP SQUAD RISE TO NATIONAL CHALLANGE aug 03 09

The Age Group Squad having sent a young and inexperienced squad of swimmers enjoyed a successful National Championships at Pond Forge in Sheffield. Of the 10 swimmers who qualified to compete 5 progressed through the heat sessions to make the evening finals. For the majority of these finalist it was their first ever National Championships.

Sam Elliot qualified for both the 11yrs old 200m Breaststroke and the 100m Freestyle final where he finish a creditable 9th and 10th. James Teagle qualified for the 13yrs old 200m Breaststroke final finishing in 10th place. Elliott Tointon qualified for the 200m Backstroke were he also finished 10th.

Harriet Cooper after narrowly missing the 12yrs old 100m Freestyle Final qualified for the 100m Backstroke Final and finished a fantastic 8th place. Harriet West also just missing out in the 11yrs 200m Butterfly qualified for the 100m butterfly where she finished a amazing 5th place.

KEATING TAKES SILVER AT EURO JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS july 20 09

Gareth Keating a member of City of Leicester Swimming Club now training and competing for Swansea Performance claimed a Silver Medal at the LEN European Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Porec, Croatia.
 
Competing in the 5km Event Keating showed his power in the final stages of the men’s Junior event but was narrowly beaten by Russia’s Arten Podyakov in the last 100m.  The Russian touched in 55:46 with Keating just behind in 55:48. Gareth's Silver medal added to the British Gas Teams best ever result. Congratulations.

HIGHEST REGIONAL AGE GROUP MEDAL HAUL EVER!!!!

After two weekends of excellent performances at the Regional Age Group Championships. COLSC swimmers produced 103 Finals,48 medal wining performances and 16 Regional Age Group Champions.. This is the best ever achievement produced by the Age Group swimmers under the combined East and West Regional Age Group Championships.

Regional Age Group Champions are: Megan Morrison, Chloe Sparrow, Harriet Cooper, Isaac Peace, George Cooper, Nicholas Harrison.

TSUBASA JOINS WORLD SCHOOL GAMES TEAM 08 jun 09

Tsubasa Nakagawa will now join Sophie Smith as part of the England World School Games Team. He has been selected form the british rankings thought 2009.

This will be Tsubasas second international event in 2009. He now has one month until he competes for Great Britain in the European Junior Championships in Prague.

SOPHIE CLAIMS PLACE ON WORLD SCHOOL GAMES TEAM 08 jun 09

Sophie Smith continuing her constant dominance at the top of the British Rankings has booked her place on the England World School Games Team.

These Games will take place in Qatar in December Sophie will compete in the 50m & 100m Butterfly and the 100m Freestyle. This will be the first time Sophie will compete at International level

GRIEVE & THORPE REPRESENT ENGLISH SCHOOLS 1 jun 09

After outstanding performances at British Gas Championships and LASA Championships James Grieve and Jamie Thorpe have been selected to represent the England Midland Team at the UK School Games in Swansea during September. This is the first time both swimmers have been selected to this event.

Congratulations to the pair.

SMITH UK SCHOOL GAMES DEFENCE 11 may 09

Continuing her impressive season Sophie has been selected to represent the England Central Team at the UK School Games in Swansea during September.

This is the second second time Sophie has been selected. At last years games Sophie was crown UK 100m Butterfly Champion during a triple gold medal haul. She will now hope to defend her title.

Congratulations

SMITH BREAKS REGIONAL RECORD 27 apr 09

At the recent City of Leicester Age Group Meet Sophie Smith broke the Regional Short Course Junior 400m Individual Medley Record. Sophie smashed the previous record set by Lizzie Simmonds four years ago. Sophie posted a time of 4.46.83 lowering the record by 5 seconds.

This record can now be add to the 50m and 100m Butterfly records that Sophie broke during the LASA Championships in February. Congratulations to Sophie.

NAKAGAWA MAKES GB TEAM 18 mar 09

After a close fought contest at the British Gas Swimming Championships, Tsubasa has booked his place on the Great Britain Team heading to the European Junior Championships in July

Seeing his British Record change hands no more than three times and having to progress through to the Senior Mens 50m Freestyle Semi Final with four other Junior qualifiers proved to be a tough challenge. Tsubasa managed to maintain his form and claim the converted top two junior spot and finished a fantastic 10th overall. A great achievement.

HEART BREAK FOR SOPHIE 17 mar 09

After two outstanding displays in the heats of the 100m butterfly and 200m ind.medley at the British Gas Swimming Championships. Sophie produced two huge personal bests, a qualifying time for the Great Britain European Junior Team and a place in the Senior Womens semi finals of the ind.medley. Sophie unfortunately had to settle for 6th placed junior in both events. This despite not making the cut off for the GB Team and setting two new Regional Records at the recent LASA County Championships puts Sophie amongst the current best in Great Britain. She remains on course to achieve her place on the Great Britain Junior Team next season.

SUZI BOWEN APPOINTED AS AGE GROUP COACH 16 mar 09

Coach Suzi Bowen has been appointed as the new Age Group Coach to the City of Leicester Swimming Club.

Suzi, a valued member of the Loughborough university coaching staff, and Head Coach to Shepshed Swimming Club, will take up the post on a part time basis until she completes her undergraduate studies this summer.

SWIMMERS ON FORM AT COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS 16 mar 09

During three busy weekends at the LASA County Age Group Championships, COLSC swimmers produced multiple Regional and County records. Also there was several new National and Regional qualifiers.

Congratulations to Sophie Smith for her Regional and County Records. James Grieve on lowering his County Records and to Harriet West and Beth Shelton on qualification to National Championships.

SMITH AND NAKAGAWA AWARDED GO FOR GOLD GRANTS 12 feb 09  

the two swimmers will recieve a £1000 grant from a new initiative form Leicestershire and Rutland Sport. Both swimmer were award their grants for their continual performances at National podium level. This grant will go towards their ever increasing training and competition costs.

As well as the grant both swimmers will now become Gold Ambassadors and will be award the grants at a recepition at County Hall.

LUTTERWORTH SCHOOL RELAY SUCCESS 12 feb 09

Carla Read, Clare Asmore and Fay Willett represented Lutterworth College at the National Schools Relay Championships in Gloucester after being crowned Regional Champions last year. In a magnificent display the trio with another fellow college member claimed the silver medal in the Intermediate Medley Relay. The girls represented the only state school in this event.

YOUTH SWIMMERS ON FORM AT BURNS MEET 26 Jan 2009

During two days of competition at sheffield all Youth National Qualifiers produced some great results. Both Sophie Smith and James Grieves were on form setting new County Records. Sophie began the competition by lowering the Junior and Senior 200m Butterfly Records. Later she set a Junior and Senior record in the 50m Butterfly. Also competing in the 200m Freestyle James lowered the Junior County Record and then went onto set a new county record in the 400m Freestyle.

YOUTH OLYMPIC AND EUROPEAN JUNIOR TEST AWAITS 26 Jan 2009

Congratulations to Carla Read, Sophie Smith, James Grieves, Tsubasa Nakagawa on their qualification to British Championships in March. Each swimmer will need to be at their all time best as they compete to qualify to represent Great Britain at the Youth Olympic Festival and the European Junior Championships in the summer.

Carla will contest the 100m,200m Breaststroke. Sophie swims 100m Butterfly, 200m,400m Ind.Medley. James goes in the 50m,100m,200m,400m Freestyle and Tsubasa will compete in 50m,100m Freestyle.

ALEX DAWSON APPOINTED AS HEAD COACH 26 nov 2008

The City of Leicester Swimming Club have appointed Alex Dawson as their new Head Coach, after the departure of Mike Parker, who has taken a post with the ASA as  a Talent Development Officer. Mike had been with the Club for 21 years.

Alex has been Assistant Coach with the Club for almost 6 years and has an excellent record of success with the Age Group swimmers. He has the full support of the Committee and swimmers. His post will officially commence on Dec 1st

SMITH AND THORPE SET NEW REGIONAL RECORDS 02 nov 2008

A new East Midlands Record went to Jamie Thorpe who  broke his own Junior 50m Butterfly  mark twice with a time of 25.95 in the heats and 25.90 in the Final. He also claims the Junior 100m East Midlands record with a time of 57.24 in the final. Sophie Smith can claim the Junior 100m Butterfly East Midlands Record with her time  of 1.2.60 in the final.

Congratulations to the pair.

YOUTH SQUAD HIT NEW HEIGHTS AT REGIONAL CHAMPS 02 nov 2008

The Midland Short Course Championships were held at the Braunstone Pool last weekend which incorporated East & West Midland swimmers and provided some thrilling Finals for COLSC Youth swimmers. Many new County and Regional records were set continuously throughout the weekend.

RESULTS(Top 8)

GIRLS:  f/s Claire Ashmore 2nd Jnr.
50m Breast Carla Read 2nd Senior/1st Jnr.
100m  Breast C.Read 2nd Senior/2nd Jnr.
200m Breast C.Read 2nd senior/1st Jnr.
100m backstroke Rosemary Lucas 3rd Jnr.
50m backstroke R.Lucas 2nd Jnr
100m Butterfly Sophie Smith 2nd Jnr
200m Butterfly Sophie Smith 200m Butterfly 2nd Jnr.C.Ashmore 3rd Jnr.
200m IM S.Smith 3rd Senior 1st Jnr.
100m F/S S.Smith 2nd Jnr.
50m F/S S.Smith 3rd Jnr.
100m Individual Medley S.Smith 2nd Senior 1st Jnr.
50m Butterfly S.Smith 3rd Jnr.

ENGLAND CALLING 01 nov 2008

Tsubasa Nakagawa(16) will again be representing England in the WISE (Wales,Ireland,Scotland,England) Schools International Gala to  be held in Swansea in March 2009, after he won the Senior 100m freesytle in a time of 51.78 at  the English School Championships held in Enfield recently, representing  Division 4.

Jamie Thorpe(15) was 2nd in the Intermediate Boys 100m Butterfly with a time of 59.65 and should also go through to Swansea. The Division 4 Team in which there were also several other Leicestershire representatives came 4th overall out of the 12 Divisions.

A FOND FAREWELL 01 nov 2008

As of November 3rd Mike Parker will be begining his new role. COLSC would like to wish Mike every success in his new role as an England Talent Development Officer. Mike has devoted twenty one years service as Head Coach, during this time he has produced countless Regional, National and International swimmers. Mike will be sadly missed by present and former swimmers.

Good luck in the new post!

TELEVISION APPEARANCE FOR TSUBASA AND SOPHIE 01 oct 2008

Coverage of the UK School Games was aired during September on Channel 4. Both Tsubasa and Sophie's Gold medal individual events were televised and both gave great interviews.

SCHOOL SUCCESS FOR SWIMMERS 01 oct 2008

At the recent division four School Qualifiers COLSC swimmers produce great swims to progress to the next round. Winning their respective events were:

Bradley Matthews, James Grieve, Jamie Thorpe , Tsubasa Nakagawa, Tess Mitchell, Sophie Smith, Carla Read.

Congratulations. Good Luck in the next round.

BRITISH SWIMMING REPRESENTATION 01 sept 2008

After a successful 2007-2008 season Tsubasa and Sophie attended their first British Swimming Training camp. It was a three day skill development camp which is part of the 2012 Olympic potential training programme.

REGIONAL CAMP SELECTION 01 sept 2008

Beginning in September nine Swimmers from COLSC will be accessing the England Talent and Development Programme. These swimmers will attend three training camps over the coming season. Training opportunities include skill development sessions, bio mechanic and physical analysis. Swimmers were identified from performances at National Championship. Swimmers on the programme are:

Level 1: Ellis Jeffey, Sophie Smith.

Level 2: Jamie Thorpe, James Grieves, Bradley Matthews, Laura Burgess, Carla Read, Clare Ashmore.

ENGLAND CENTRAL CROWNED UK SCHOOL GAMES CHAMPS 25 aug 2008

Team captain Tsubasa Nakagawa, the current British junior record holder (SC) for the 50m Freestyle, was one of the Gold medal winners for England Central. He won the Men’s 50m Freestyle in 24.41. Nakagawa said: “I am please with the win but not really the time. I want to go away now and train to get my fitness back up.”

Sophie Smith also competing picked up a hat trick of gold medals in the 100m butterfly, Girls 4x100m Freestyle relay team and Girls 4x200m Freestyle relay team.

NAKAGAWA CLAIMS BRITISH TITLE 07 aug 08

On the fourth day of competition at the ASA Youth Championships, Tsubasa claimed his first gold medal in the 15/16yrs 50m freestyle in a time of 23.65 breaking the prevouis British age performance record. This result ends a fantastic season. Congratulation.

READ & NAKAGAWA IMPRESS AT YOUTH NATIONALS 03 aug 2008

During five days of competition at the ASA Youth National Championships the COLSC pair both held their nerve and qualified for double national finals in their respective events. Carla Read fiinshed a respectable 9th in the 14/15yrs 100m & 200m Breaststroke, an impresive result for carla having to compete out of age and race through heats, semi's and finals. Tsubasa continues his rise to the top in impresive fashion raising his game through each day of competition, finish a class 6th in a blank finish in the 15/16yrs 100m freestyle.

Well done to the pair!!!

MEDALS FOR SMITH & TOINTON AT AGE NATIONALS 28 july 2008

At the busy Age Group Nationals Sophie Smith and Elliot Tointon were in top form collecting a haul of national final placings and converting to medal success. Sophie finished her championships with two silvers and a bronze maintaining her position as a potential world class athlete. new on to the national scene Elliot did not disappoint finish his competion with a silver and a bronze.

congratulations to both of you!!!

NATIONALS HERE WE COME!!!! 31 may 2008

Congratulations to all of COLSC national qualifiers. Over the season 15 swimmers have achieved individual qualification and 3 teams qualified to both BAGCAT and Youth Championships taking place in Sheffield from July 24th to August 2nd. The club would like to wish them every sucess. Swimers Competing:

Elloit Tointon, Ellis Jeffery, Brenden Chadwick, Bradley Matthews, Jack Brewer, James Greives, Jamie Thorpe, Tsubasa Nakagawa. Laura Powell, Chloe Pollock, Fay Wlliet, Beth Welch,Tess Mitchell, Sophie Smth, Beth Shelton, Rosie Lucas, Clare Asmore, Carla Read, Laura Burgess.

MOST SUCCESSFUL BAGCAT REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS EVER 16 june 2008

After two weekends of frantic competition COLSC finished third in the medal table with an impresive haul of thirty one medals this included twelve gold, twelve silver and seven bronze. Regional champions are:

Thomas Quittenton / Sam Elliot / Elliot Tointon / Nick Harrison / Bradley Matthews / Sophie Smtih

congratulations to all other medalists and finalists.

SMITH & NAKAGAWA UK SCHOOL GAMES SELECTION 02 june 2008

COLSC swimmers Sophie Smith & Tsubasa Nakagawa having continually maintained impressive form throughout this season have been selected to represent England at the UK School Games in August. Sophie will compete in Butterfly and Tsubasa will contest the Freestyle. well done on thie selection.

THORPE BREAKS REGIONAL BUTTERFLY RECORD 05 may 2008

Jamie Thorpe of the City of Leicester SC broke the 50m Butterfly Regional Record at the Midland District Youth Championships, Coventry on the 3rd May 2008.The record was previously set in 2001 by James Graves and stood at 26.54 but Jamie lowered this time to 26.40.

Jamie currently trains in the youth squad coached by Mike Parker and is now looking to lower his record further. Congratulations to Jamie on his fast swimming.

YOUTH REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDAL HAUL 05 may 2008

During a heavy weekend of competiton COLSC youth swimmers a finish with a successful fifteen medals. highlights include Carla Reads clean sweep of the 14/15yrs Breaststroke Titles. Tsubasa Nakagawas double in the 15/16yrs 50m & 100m Freestlyes and Jamie Thorpes impressive double in the 15/16yrs 50m & 100m Butterfly which included a new Regional record. There was also many other medalists and finalist all performing at a tough meet. weel done to all!!!

NAKAGAWA CLAIMS FOSTERS RECORD 27 april 1008

On Saturday 26 April at Braunstone Leisure Centre, Leicestershire, Nakagawa of City of Leicester and Knighton Fields SC broke the short course record for 50m Freestyle set by the five time olympian and world medallist Mark Foster.

The Record stood at 23.41 and Nakagawa clocked 23.39 (subject to ratification). Foster has set the record while swimming for Millfield School at a meet in Barnet on 20th March 1986

NAKAGAWA BREAKS BRITISH AGE GROUP RECORD 19 april 2008

Tsubasa Nakagawa has lowered the 15yrs boys 50m Freestyle Long Course Record yet again at the recent Radford Open Meet in Sheffield. Tsubasa recorded a time of 23.92.

Tsubasa had broke the 14yrs record the previous year. . However, one record is not enough for Tsubasa as he now sets his sights on the 16yrs record British Record

Congratulations to Tsubasa.