Beckenham swimmer out to impress (From News Shopper)

Beckenham swimmer out to impress

12:20pm Wednesday 18th March 2009 in Search

FOR 14-year-old Petts Wood swimmer Michael Gunning, there’s no time to reflect on his record-breaking swims at the Kent county championships because this week he’s off to compete against top British swimmers in national finals at Sheffield.

Gunning’s performance over four weekends of individual and relay races at the Kent championships resulted in an outstanding medal haul of 16 golds, four silvers and the top boy award for his age group.

In addition, he broke 15 event performance records and set a new county record in the 800m freestyle.

Gunning said: “The whole championships were great but when I broke the county record and everybody was clapping, that was something to remember, especially as I did not even know that I broke the county record.”

The youngster swims at Beckenham Swimming Club, where coach Tony Beckley has watched his remarkable progress.

He said: “We have many good swimmers and Michael is one of them.

“It’s a testament to his hard work he was able to put in such good performances on such a consistent basis and it stands him in good stead for the British championships.”

The Beckenham swimmers, aged nine to 19, won a record 153 gold medals, 92 silver, 71 bronze and countless other fourth, fifth and sixth place awards.

They also set 21 new individual records, and eight relay records.

Last year, itself regarded as a glorious moment in the club’s history, BSC swimmers came home with 130 golds, 93 silvers and 75 bronzes.

Most of the BSC swimmers achieved personal best times in their events and several won double-figure gold medals.

As well as the 15 event records achieved by Gunning, four of his club-mates set new event records.

Steffi King, 15, and Lauren Walton, 13, each broke two, while Lauren’s twin sister, Rebecca, and Kunmi Ogunfeibo, 11, broke one record each.

King also took home an impressive 18 individual golds.

Beckley will be in Sheffield with Gunning, King and Steph Denny at this week’s British long course championships.

With extremely hard qualifying times, this event is limited to the best swimmers in Britain and acts as the basis for selection for national and international events.

For Gunning, taking part is like a dream come true.

He added: “I am so proud to get this far and I really want to swim my best in the 200m butterfly.”