Matthew Woodhall triumphs in epic open water battle for gold with Joshua Weston

Matthew Woodhall and Joshua Weston were involved in a real tussle for the Swim England Open Water National Age Group Championships 15 Years Boys 3k gold medal.

City of Sheffield’s Woodhall and Wycombe District’s Weston were separated by only 0.317 seconds after an epic 35-minute swim at Rotherham’s Thrybergh Country Park.

Woodhall touched first in a time of 35:05.123 to take top spot, with silver medallist Weston narrowly behind in 35.05.440.

Elijah Kendrick, Shiverers, was in third place after clocking 35:14.603.

Woodhall said: “It was really fun.

“This is my fourth year and I enjoy it every year.

“I got third last year and I’ve only ever had two thirds so it’s a good improvement and I’m really happy.”

Hood victorious ahead of fight for silver

City of Birmingham’s Aimee Hood topped the podium in the Girls 15 Years 3k contest – while there was a fight for the silver medal behind her.

Hood clocked 36:57.537 to win by 7.716 seconds from Tynemouth’s Lucy Hedley.

But Hedley, who finished in 37:05.253, was pushed all the way for the silver medal by Wirral Metro’s Zoe Carless, who was only 0.227 behind in third after touching in 37:05.480.

Hood said: “I enjoyed it.

“The last bit was a bit wavy with all the wind and the speedboats making things a bit rough.

“This is my third Nationals but the first two years I haven’t medalled so it’s been a good three years coming.

“I’ve just moved to City of Birmingham this season and I got two bronze medals at British Champs in the 1500m and the 800m Freestyle this year.

“When I moved I didn’t ever think I’d get a medal at nationals – I’ve come so far in a year and it’s definitely down to my training and my coaches.”

Pictures: Will Johnston Photography