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Nicole Ryan storms to gold in Girls 19 Years and over 5k race

Nicole Ryan won the Girls 19 Years and over 5k title by nearly four minutes at the Swim England Open Water National Age Group Championships.

Guildford swimmer Ryan finished in a time of 1:02.41 in a stunning display as she went out to the front and comfortably battled on for the win.

Ryan enjoyed her day at Thrybergh Country Park saying: “It was a good race and a nice day which always makes it better.

“The swim was great and the conditions were good too so I really enjoyed it.

“With open water it’s difficult to compare times but overall it felt nice and comfortable, there was a little push from the start but it went well.”

After ending her season on a high, Ryan is looking forward to more success at future competitions.

“This is the last swim of my season so a good way to end it. I’ll enjoy some time off now before getting back too it in September but I’m looking forward to next season and hopefully next year I can win more medals.”

The next three swimmers behind Ryan were separated by less than a minute.

Romford Town’s Isabelle Jopson set a time of 1:06.34 in second place with Talia Staines just 36 seconds behind finishing in 1:07.00 to take home the bronze medal for Bourne End.

Jackson O’Rourke takes gold ahead of Manchester trio

Northampton’s Jackson O’Rourke held off three City of Manchester Aquatics swimmers as he took gold in the Boy’s 19 Years and over 5km race.

O’Rourke was the only swimmer to finish in under an hour as he set an impressive time of a 59:31 as he took home the title.

He was 58 seconds faster than second place Bailey Hairsine as Manchester completed the podium with a double medal winning display.

Hairsine won silver in 1:00.29 which was just under three minutes ahead of his teammate Ryan Coulthard who won bronze.

Coulthard was 1.03 ahead of Jevon Penny as the club finished second, third and fourth in the race.

O’Rourke was the clear winner though and he was happy with his performance saying: “I’m very happy with that result.

“I followed my race plan, I wanted to get out fast at the start and just keep going really.

“The race went well; I went out fast but I’m really pleased with how today went.”

“I made finals at British Championships but didn’t go as well I was hoping for but today was great for me so I’m really happy.”

Full results for the 5k races can be found here.

Pictures: Will Johnston Photography

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