Chelmsford Race Course
This year president Stephen Turner hosted the County Dinner Dance at The Chelmsford Race Course. Another successful event seeing over 70 people from around the county attend including The East Region President and his wife Chris Vinter, Chairman of the East Region Board Joan Wheeler and her husband Paul. Together with Presidents from Norfolk, Kent and Middlesex.
The County presented the Plaistow Award – for the best competitive performances across all disciplines, both male and females
Male Award: Lewis Binning
This versatile swimmer achieved medals in both the pool and open water. He also had 6 other top ten finishes. An incredible achievement I’m sure you’ll agree. He also represented GB at the European Junior Open Water championships in Malta. I’m sure you’ll agree an excellent season all round
Female award: Laura Stephens
This swimmer’s achievement’s over the season were pretty impressive. English national champion in both the 100m and 200m butterfly,
200m butterfly Silver at the 2018 British Championships.
Triple National champion at the 2018 British summer Championships in the 100m, 200m butterfly and 400 IM, also gaining three bronze medals in the 100m backstroke, 200 IM and 50m butterfly.
It’s hard to imagine an improvement in her year but as a consequence of her earlier results she went on to represent Team England at the 2018 Commonwealth games, and competing in final of the 200m butterfly.
Most recently, winning gold for Plymouth university at the 2018 BUCS short course championships in the 200m butterfly in a time that ranks top 10 in the world so far this season.
Higgs Trophy – Sophie Freeman
(To be awarded annually for the best performance at the National Swimming Championships)
We thought this swimmer did exceptionally well last year but this year she went further. At the Nationals, she achieved 3 Golds, one bronze and a fourth place. What is remarkable is she achieved these results across both sprint events and long-distance events, a truly remarkable feat. In the process she set an age group record in the 50m butterfly. Prior to this she had won gold in 100m butterfly at the Scottish Nationals
So, a deserved winner of the Higgs Shield
Unfortunately, Sophie couldn’t be with us on the night of the award and it was collected by her Mum.
The Presidents plate was awarded to Amanda Simmons of Dunmow Swimming club.
Finally, the last awards of the evening were for service to the county our Volunteer Awards.
Silver Awards went to Sandra Spooner, Dean Walker, Helen Stephens and Cheryl Elis
Gold Award to Jan Bright.
The evening presentations were brought to a conclusion and the dancing commenced.
