Share your love of swimming - Get info on training to become a swim teacher from just £79

Michaella Glenister overcomes ‘tough year’ to land national title

Michaella Glenister overcame her ‘tough year’ to win the National Open Water Festival Girls 16 Years title in only her second ever 5K race.

“I’ve not trained as much because of exams and also moved clubs so it’s been a tough year,” said Leicester Sharks swimmer Michaella, who finished in a time of 1:06.15 to beat silver medallist Tiegan Child, of Beckenham, by a second.

“I’d no particular race plan. I just wanted to give my all and have a good go. I saw Tiegan next to me and it helps me having someone close.

“It makes it easier to race and towards the end I felt I could give a bit more. That was only my second ever 5K swim and I’m pretty happy with that.”

Redditch’s Amelia Rodd won the bronze medal after clocking 1:06.26.

Maisie Macartney wins Girls’ 17-18 Years

Maisie Macartney claimed her second National Open Water Festival title with victory in the Girls 17-18 Years 5K race.

The Thanet swimmer recorded a time of 1:06.07 as she won by less than a second from Wycombe District’s Emilia Sansome (1:06.08).

Wigan BEST’s Mellisa Braddock took the bronze medal after finishing in 1:06.16

Maisie said: “It was a close race at the end. But it’s nice to have someone to race – it makes you feel like you have won something rather than just swimming.

“I tried to stay with the front group and go for it at the end. I made my move when I could see the finish.

“It was a bit choppy but not awful. It’s nice to have the gold medal around my neck.”

Emily Clarke claims gold after close finish

Emily Clarke said she initially had no idea she had won a National Open Water Festival title after a close finish in the Girls 19 Years 5K race.

The Loughborough University swimmer was involved in a battle for the gold medal with City of Oxford’s Nicole Ryan.

“It was a close finish and I’d no idea who won at the end but I managed to pip her to the post,” – Emily Clarke

But it was Emily who touched home first in 1:06.06, two seconds ahead of silver medallist Nicole.

And it proved to be the perfect comeback for Emily who missed last year’s event due to a broken arm.

“It’s my first time as national champion and that sounds pretty good to be honest,” said Emily.

“I wanted to stick with the front pace and sprint at the end, which seemed to work quite well. It was a close finish and I’d no idea who won at the end but I managed to pip her to the post.

“I really enjoy open water – it’s nicer than the pool – and I will be back next year.”

KingstonHull’s Daisy Hill won the bronze medal in a time of 1:06.19.

Top