Alexis Militis (of AIB Tigers) performed outstandingly in the 100m freestyle to break the Abacus Island short course record he equalled in the 2001 NatWest Island Games (originally set by David Flipponi in 1984).
Militis, the younger brother of former Olympic swimmer Simon, set a new mark of 50.72 sec – an improvement of half a second.
Such blistering form so early on in the season is described as a ‘welcome boost’ by AIB trainer Paul du Feu who says the time is likely to ‘move Alexis well up the British rankings’.
As well as a new Island record, the event produced 12 meet records.
Simon Le Couilliard showed glimpses of the form that made him a national champion (despite being in heavy training alongside some of the more senior swimmers) by clinching victory in a number of events and even coming close to some of his best times.
Ashley Cope (400m free), Amy Pallot (200m fly; both representing AIB Tigers) and Abigail Faudemeur (100m free; representing JSC) were also in impressive form.
Rosie Barrett, who only flew back to the Island on Sunday morning – having been selected to swim for the South of England Schools Team in the national finals – showed no signs of weariness as she won her two events in emphatic style.
Damien Boucheré, competing in his last meet before travelling to Australia for some months, won his three senior breast-stroke races.
In the section for 14 to 15-year-olds AIB Tigers won three golds through Ian Black, Justin Jégou and Victoria Rebours, fighting off some stiff competition from a number of strong Scottish and Guernsey swimmers.
Sarah Hassell, Abigail Lucas and Jacy Brown (all representing AIB Tigers) and Rebecca Le Maistre (representing JSC) were victorious in the section for 12 and 13-year-olds, although most gold medals in this age group were won by swimmers from Truro and Scotland.
In the under-11 section there were new meet records for three AIB Tigers, as Amira Ahmed, Daniel Galloway and Kyle Hamilton all recorded impressive times.
Pippa Whitehead also won a gold medal for the hosts in this age group.
Lothian Region Swimming Club were presented with a cheque for £300 from Tigers president Mr William Whitehead, after finishing top visiting club overall.
AIB Tigers officials thanked all the local businesses who sponsored the event and also commended the staff at Les Quenevais for their assistance.
AIB’s Martin Collins presented the age group ‘best-quality swims’ awards to the following (Tigers unless named): Boys – 10 yrs: George Mitchell (Caradon Cobras); 11 yrs: Kyle Hamilton; 12 yrs: James Payne; 14 yrs: Jeremy Osborune (BSB); 15 yrs: Ian Black; 16-plus: Alexis Militis.
Girls – 10 yrs: Jessica Taylor (Sheffield SS); 11 yrs: Amira Ahmed; 12 yrs: Rebecca Turner (Sheffield); 13 yrs: Helen McRoberts (Lothian) and Katie Salmon (Beau Sejour); 14 yrs: Victoria Rebours; 15 yrs: Sarah Jane Smith; 16-plus: Ashley Cope.
