“Littlehampton Splash into 2012” was the first gala of the New Year, with 30 swimmers hopeful that the Christmas festivities wouldn't have an adverse affect on their times. It was a fast and furious meet as the events were all 50 metres, apart from the 100m IM and the 200m Free. As soon as an event was over, the swimmers were called up for their next one – tough for the competitors and kept the coaches poolside busy, but great for the parents spectating as it meant an early finish!

Everyone swam with their usual impressive determination and good spirit, resulting in 22 medals and 12 county qualifying times. Amongst the medal winners were Jess Matlock – 1 silver and 2 bronze, Ollie Mayhew – bronze, Meghan Stevens – 2 gold and 2 bronze, Kody Howard – bronze, Ryan Dooley – 1 gold and 1 silver, Georgie Gratton – 3 silver and 1 gold, Annabel Curtis – 1 gold and 2 silver, Leah Clarke – silver, Olivia Barker – gold, Naomi Shaw – silver, and Ben Stevens – silver.

Swimmers achieving county qualifying times were – Jake Newman (13), Issy Deamer (11) which is a first CQT for her, Ollie Mayhew (10), Jamie Dooley (10) who also achieved an impressive  1.05.00min  personal best on his 200m free, Issy Watson (12 ), Ed Marshall (16), Meghan Stevens (9), Annabel Curtis (13), Jess Matlock (11), Sophie Shaw (9) who is following in the Shaw family tradition of swimming backstroke.

Head Coach Lawrie Thomson commented “These results show the development and strength in the depth of the club, not forgetting all the hard work put in by the coaching team”

Marlins have a two day meet next weekend at Brighton then swimmers will be training hard for the County Championships held over two weekends in February and March.