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Jevon Penny clinches national title by a fingertip

Jevon Penny was crowned National Open Water Festival champion by the narrowest of margins after a thrilling Boys 15 Years 3K race.

The Northampton swimmer touched home in 36:52.12 to take the gold medal – but only 0.72 seconds separated the top three.

Daniel Donovan, Guildford, was second in 36:52.30, with Basildon Phoenix’s Lewis Binning taking the bronze medal in 36:52.84.

Jevon said: “It was really tight coming to the end but, thankfully, I got there.

“I just had the determination to go on and put that extra bit of effort in as I really didn’t want to lose.”

It was Jevon’s fourth appearance at the National Open Water Festival and he now has a gold medal to add to the two bronze and one silver medal he’s previously won.

“It’s my first time as national champion and I’m really happy with the gold medal,” he said. “I’ll definitely be back next year.

“I knew it would be tight from the start because we have all been close together through the years.

“Lewis led for the first lap but by the last turning point we were all in a line and just maxed it out to the finish.”

Isaac Dodds wins debut gold

Isaac Dodds marked his debut at the National Open Water Festival age group championships by taking home the gold medal.

The TigersJersey swimmer finished in 37:57, which was 16 seconds clear of Wycombe District’s Joshua Weston (38:13).

City of Sheffield’s Matthew Woodhall won the bronze medal in 38:18.

Isaac said: “The swim was hard and long but I thought I had a chance.

“It’s the furthest distance I have done. I’m not really bothered about the time, it was all about the place as this is my first time at the nationals.

“Quite of lot of the swimmers are in my region so it was nice to beat them.”

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