Pioneer 79 Swimming Club had a fantastic turnout of 31 swimmers at the Aquabears Summer Gala, held at Broughton Baths in Salford.

Of the 31 swimmers taking part, 10 of them were competing in the nine-year-old age group, for many of whom, this was their first taster of an open competition.

Swimmers came away with 34 gold, 23 silver and 22 bronze medals and the club finished second overall out of the 24 teams. They were runners up to City of Manchester Aquatics.

Medal winners were:

  • William Beavan: 5 gold, 1 silver,
  • Charlotte Britland: 3 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze,
  • Isaac Forrest: 1 silver, 1 bronze,
  • Millie Forrest: 1 bronze,
  • Emma Fox: 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze,
  • George Gaffing: 2 bronze,
  • Jake Healey: 1 silver,
  • Mitchell Healey: 1 silver, 3 bronze,
  • Mesha Ingham-Francis: 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze,
  • Meghann Leaver: 1 gold,
  • Joseph Murray: 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze,
  • Olivia Nicholls: 7 gold, 1 silver,
  • Ellie Perris: 2 silver, 5 bronze,
  • Niamh Robinson: 7 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze,
  • Natasha Rogan: 2 gold,
  • Andrew Rushton: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze,
  • Chloe Shields: 1 silver, 1 bronze,
  • Florrie Slater: 2 gold, 4 silver,
  • Martha Smith: 1 silver
  • Jakob Ward: 1 gold.

Meanwhile Niamh Robinson, 10, competed in the City of Liverpool Summer Sprint Meet, where she swam for her second claim club the Isle of Man.

Niamh swam a total of nine events over the weekend, returning with four gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze.

She gained four personal best times, and won the best overall 10 year old girl at the gala.

The highlight of her weekend was when she broke the meet record for the 10 year girls 100m Backstroke, swimming it in 1.19.83, which meant she broke her personal best by two seconds.

Beginners through to Masters - interested in joining Pioneer 79, contact Susan on 01254 390793