On Sunday 18th July 2021, Evesham Swimming Club hosted the return of the Evesham Modern Biathlon event. The biathlon consisted of a 100 or 200m swim in the pool at Rivers Leisure Centre followed by a 1 or 2 km run around the Corporation Meadows. Over 100 athletes from the counties Evesham, Worcester and Pershore swimming clubs competed in the glorious sunshine for the first time in nearly 20 years. The event was an annual hit back in the 1980’s and 90’s and so it was fantastic to see it return with a number of ex-Evesham club members compete. Some notable inclusions were club President and ex Head Coach Jean Deakins and Evesham’s Mayor, Sue Amor, who was Chairperson at Evesham Swimming club when the event originally existed.
Some notable swim times recorded were Paul Redgewell (1:03.85) and Daisy Gregg (1:09.57) for the 100m and Patrick Heeks (2:03.69) and Scarlett Begley (2.31.63) for the 200m. Fastest run times were recorded by Andrew Shipton (3:26.00) and Elizabeth Annis and Emily Byrd both recorded a 3:56.00 for the females in the 1000m run. In the 2000m run Daniel Jones recorded an impressive 7:01 and Scarlett Begley in a time of 10.03.
Overall winners for each Class were; Ed Norton and Masie Sandalls in the 17-34 age group; Dan Jones and Scarlett Begley in the 15/16 age group, Jack Porter and Emily Byrd in the 13/14 age group; Archie Day and Elizabeth Annis in the 11/12 age group; Harry Porter and Jessica Griffiths in the 9/10 age group; Andrew Shipton and Magdalaina Pique in the 35 and over age group.
Speaking at the award ceremony held after the event, Evesham Swimming Club Chairman, Rob Harrison, thanked everyone for their efforts in getting this historical competition back after so many years and hoped that we can make this a successful annual event in the future.
Also speaking at the award ceremony Head Coach, Graham Begley, said “It was fantastic to see everyone competing again from various swim clubs across Worcestershire. Everyone took part with a smile on their face and the support created a fantastic atmosphere. As a club we have certainly missed being together at events, and hope this is a positive sign of things to come”.
Evesham Swimming Club Members with some Ex-Club Members
Overall Female Winner – Elizabeth Annis.
Overall Male Winner – Andrew Shipton
Best 8 and under winner – Harry Holme.
Off The Blocks – Action from the pool
Head Coach, Graham Begley, with the Evesham Mayor, Sue Amor.
Jean Deakins (Club President) in the 1000m Run
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