Jersey swimmers stay switched on for end-of-season national champs

Sam Sterry took the English Summer Championships title in the 15-years 400m IM Picture: DAVID FERGUSON. (34054992)

WITH gold medals, a new Island record and every swimmer achieving a PB, the 2022 England Summer Championships were a happy hunting ground for Jersey representatives.

It was all the more remarkable for Matt Deffains, as, just eight weeks ago, he was in a cast for a broken arm.

The meeting is Swim England’s biggest domestic swimming event of the year.

Deffains struck gold in the 15-years 400m freestyle with a time of 4min 15.71sec.

Sam Sterry took the title in the 15-years 400m IM, knocking 12 seconds off a PB he had only set earlier in the day with 4.47.72.

‘The swimmers at the English Champs were excellent,’ said Calligo Tigers coach Nathan Jegou. ‘With the Championships later than usual it would have been easy for them to switch off.’

He said that both gold medals were great swims.

Deffains also took an Island record that has stood for a decade in the 15-years 100m freestyle, finishing fourth in a time of 55.57s.

Megan Hansford took a bronze medal in the 16-years 100m freestyle, breaking the 60-second barrier for the first time with 59.80s.

Hannah Sterry, 13, continued a season of improvement with a final appearance in the 200m breaststroke and a new PB of 2.50.36.

‘We could not ask for any more,’ said Jegou.

Tigers’ success came alongside a podium appearance for Jersey Swimming Club member Rebecca Hardy-Bishop, who, as reported last week, secured bronze in the women’s multi-classification 50m freestyle.

Two Tigers swimmers were also in action at the Open Water National Age Group Championships at Thrybergh Country Park.

Isaac Thompson claimed gold comfortably in the 14-years race.

And, after a busy few weeks, Sam Sterry took bronze in the 15-years age group, just fractions off silver.

‘His age group is stacked with quality open water swimmers and he’s shown he is one of the top swimmers when it comes to distance and open water freestyle,’ Jegou added.

‘I couldn’t be happier with the way everyone at the club has worked together through the last few years and the swimmers are getting the results that they deserve.’

He thanked sponsors Calligo.

‘In a time where everyone is feeling the financial pinch they have stuck with us and as a club we are grateful.’

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