Head coach Beth Ross described Session 1 of Counties at K2  ' a brilliant start to the campaign !'. On Sunday 14th Feb the distance swimmers of Sussex  took on the  Women's 800m and Men's 1500m events. Marlins taking 3 of the 4 Gold Medals on offer.

 

Club captain Mai Alland (16) got the Marlins off to a flyer taking the Women's 800m Junior Gold  in a time of 9 mins 42 secs, a 6 second PD.  A 'sprinter' by trade, Mai was 'over the moon' by the success.   Youngster, Franny Collings, a water polo expert, continued her progress with a 13 second PD in the same event.

 

Buoyed on by the success Matt Gibson (15) then produced a wonder swim in the Men's 1500m of 17min 22 sec (a PB of 18 secs)  to take not only the Junior Gold Medal but also the Senior Gold.  Matt said,  ' I have been working hard in training but have also been doing a lot of secret press ups'  

 

It wasn't plain sailing for other Marlin swimmers though.  Several struggled and were a 'little' off their PBs. Marlins hot prospect 6 foot 3 inch David Masters (15) , was 30 seconds off his PB, speaking after training this week he said  'its the first time I have swum 1500m in a 50 meter pool. Unfortunately adrenaline got the better of me and went out far to quickly and paid the price in the later stages. I enjoyed the experience very much and will definitely try this event again'

Squad Coach Keith Bax explained ' we are keeping a very close eye on  David (Brighton College student)  He has grown a lot over the past 3 months and is suffering a few aches and pains but we are trying to build his strength. We feel he has the potential to progress to the Nationals in July'    

 

David and 46 other Marlins are right in the middle of a busy County Championship campaign. Watch out for a results round up later.