REDDITCH Swimming Club captains Paul Wilkes and Laura Cranshaw – who have both swum with Redditch since they were eight-years-old – turned on the style to win medals at the 2014 British Gas ASA National Masters Championships.
Men’s club captain Wilkes, swimming in the 30-34 years age group, was too strong for the opposition in his specialist butterfly events as he won gold medals in both the 100m and 200m fly.
As well as adding these two further national titles to his long list of swimming achievements, he also smashed the British record for his age group in the 200m fly, as he cruised home almost nine seconds ahead of the second placed swimmer.
Wilkes’ time of 2:04.49 was more than one second faster than the previous record and he already has his name proudly posted on the official ASA list of British Masters swimming records.
Not to be outdone, RSC girls’ captain Cranshaw also brought home a medal as she won silver in the 100m breaststroke in the very competitive 25-29 years age group.
Both Wilkes and Cranshaw will be leading the RSC team on November 8 when Redditch are competing in the National Arena League second round gala at Stechford, Birmingham.
The club’s head coach Chris Britt said: “It is a great achievement for these two long-term members of Redditch Swimming Club to again win medals at National level and Paul’s new British record is a fantastic bonus.
“I see Paul and Laura train every week and appreciate why they have been so successful as they always train hard and inspire and encourage the younger swimmers to do the same.
“Everyone at Redditch Swimming Club is very proud of them both.
“After Issy Griffiths’ medals at Sheffield in the ASA National Age Group Championships, followed by Braiden Hartles’ appearances in two finals at the National Youth Championships, 2014 has again brought considerable success for Redditch swimmers. Hopefully, there is more still to come.”
Redditch Swimming Club’s various squads train regularly at Abbey Stadium, Kingsley and Studley and talented young swimmers are always welcome to attend for a free trial session.
If you are interested please contact Chris Britt on 01527 853257 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Paul Wilkes receives his 200m butterfly gold medal at the 2014 National Masters Championships. (s)
