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

Rachel Bradley seals hat-trick of distance titles at Open Water championships

Rachel Bradley completed a hat-trick of Swim England national distance titles at the Open Water National Age Group Championships.

Days after claiming gold in the 800m and 1500m Freestyle races at the Swim England National Summer Meet, the Middlesbrough swimmer won the Girls 16 Years 5k race at Thrybergh Country Park.

Bradley clocked 1:02.16 to win by one minute six seconds from Romford Town’s Amelia Moule, who finished in 1:03.22.

Guildford’s Genevieve Moller-Butcher was in third place in a time of 1:03.29.

Bradley said: “It was hard but I enjoyed it – it went quite fast actually.

“I competed in the 1500m and 800m at Ponds Forge as well this week and won both, so it’s been a very good week – I’m really happy.”

Vance makes up for missing out last year

Joshua Vance was victorious in the Boys 16 Years 5K race

Joshua Vance made up for agonisingly missing out on an a podium place 12 months ago as he struck gold in the Boys 16 Years 5k race.

The Northampton swimmer was victorious by four seconds as he finished in a time of 56.55.

Twelve months ago, he was left disappointed after finishing fourth in the 15 years 3k contest – but he put that behind him in emphatic style as he took gold ahead of Lewis Binning.

Basildon Phoenix’s Binning pushed Vance all the way but eventually had to settle for the silver medal in 56:57.

Guildford’s Daniel Donovan was third in 56:59, while Thanet Swim’s Charley Langford received a commemorative bronze medal after clocking 58:02.

Vance said: “It was good – I was quite surprised with it really.

“I came fourth last year so I wanted to improve on that position. I went out strong and so I was really happy with it.
“After the first lap, I was in the middle, then I moved forward and then I don’t think I saw anyone else after that.

“It felt a good swim – I thought I swam it quite well.

“I thought I was a bit brave at the star. I wasn’t sure if it would pay off but obviously it did.

“The water’s really nice – it’s good conditions.”

Pictures: Will Johnston Photography

Top