SWIMMING: Putteridge among leading lights

Joe Murray, Jordan Batson, Lauren Simpkins, Ryan Compton and Lawrence Palmer all competed, with a host of medals, PBs and finals – a superb achievement.

Palmer managed two golds in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, with his 50m swim in just 27.65secs, a new County and East Region record, making him the eighth fastest British swimmer ever.

He then went on to compete in the 200m breaststroke, an event he has only raced twice in the last four years, managing another PB to take silver.

Batson had a fine event, with three PBs from his three races, while Simpkins, in her first ever East Region Long Course Championship, made three finals.

She also managed a bronze in the 50m freestyle, plus a County record in the 50m backstroke and a new PB in the 100m freestyle.

Murray’s first Youth Regional Championships saw him make the 100m breaststroke final and finish sixth with a PB, before going on to make the 50m breaststroke final where he broke the County record with another best to win silver.

Unfortunately Compton had to retire from the event due to an ankle injury, while Leone Crick, who dual clubs with Putteridge and Leighton, was second reserve in the 100m backstroke final.

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