James Eddy snatches backstroke gold with British Age Group record

Wycombe’s James Eddy won 50m Backstroke gold with a British Age Group record on day one of the 2016 British Summer Championships.

In an interesting twist, the top three in the 16 Yrs 50m Backstroke were all still only 15.

The trio have been taking it in turns to break the British 15 Yrs marker, with Newcastle’s Nicholas Pyle holding the record on 26.61 coming into the meet.

Poole’s Jacob Peters saw to that in the heats, booking lane four for the final in 26.59. But it was Eddy – winner of the 15 Yrs title 12 months ago – who laughed last, claiming gold and the record with his PB 26.53 in the final.

Pyle followed Eddy home for silver in 26.63 with Peters on 26.64 for bronze – these three the only swimmers under 27 seconds.

Well done to James Eddy – GOLD 50 Back 16 years! 6th for McFadzen in another PB time! #backstrokeboys#WDSC#TEAMpic.twitter.com/S0vP5UOiIB

— Wycombe Swimming (@Wycombe_Swim) July 26, 2016

McCleave and Clogg also on record-breaking form

There was also a British Age Group record in the 15 Yrs final, although not to the winner.

Ellesmere College Titans Leighton Mayers took the touch in 27.06 in the final, adding to earlier victories from Titans teammates Freya Anderson and Tazmin Pugh.

Dorking’s Nathan McCleave came home for silver in 27.19, breaking the British 14 Yrs Age Group marker in the process.

The backstroke swimmers were setting the pool alight on day one, as Elliot Clogg followed on from Eddy and McCleave to set an English 16 Yrs Age Group record and claim the 17/18 Yrs 50m Back title.

The City of Sheffield swimmer’s 26.27 effort in the final also matched Jack Ness’ existing British Age Group marker. More importantly, it saw him home for gold ahead of Ealing’s Jahrel Murphy in second on 26.48.

There were also English gold medallists in the other two age groups of boys’ 50m Backstroke.

Chase swimmer Jacob Davies won the 13/14 Yrs title with a PB 28.31 while Stirling’s Charlie Boldison claimed senior gold in 25.42.

• Click here to view results from the 2016 British Summer Championships in Sheffield.

Image credit: Wycombe Swim Twitter