ABBY Comline set an example for her teammates at Knutsford Vikings to copy after winning medals at a regional gala.
She was runner-up in the under 16s girls’ 50m freestyle at the Swim England North West Summer Championships after timing 28.21 – a personal best.
The teenager was also third over 100m in her age-group category for the same stroke, but was denied a second bronze medal by the narrowest of margins after ranking fourth overall in the 200m freestyle.
“It’s an outstanding achievement to win two medals and get so close to a third,” said Phil James, Vikings’ head coach.
“I hope Abby’s success, which is testament to her talent, dedication and hard work, serves as a clear message to all of our aspiring swimmers that pushing yourself on a regular basis delivers results.”
Abby’s performance in the 50m freestyle puts her inside the top 30 nationally for her age-group.
She is just outside the cut-off for an invite to the Swim England National Summer Meet at Ponds Forge.
James said: “While that’s disappointing, it’s still an indication of how well Abby is performing because a distance between the swimmers at that level is only hundredths of a second.”
James Petty reached three finals on the opening weekend of action in Manchester, placing fourth in the under 16s boys’ 100m breaststroke in 1:16.03.
He was seventh in the 50m freestyle for his age-group, a feat he matched in the 50m breastroke.
Louis Thomas (50m backstroke and breaststroke) and Ben Mitchell (50m backstroke) improved their lifetime bests when they competed in the open men’s competition.
James said: “The standard is very high and placings are decided by the smallest of fractions, particularly in 50m races.
“We can be proud of our swimmers’ achievements, not only in the pool but also in the way they represented the club with such professionalism.”
Two more Vikings, Emily Fozard and Tom O’Brien, made their debut at the event.
The former ranked 10th in the under 12s girls’ 50m backstroke and was second reserve for the final.
Meanwhile Tom contested the 100m breaststroke in a long course pool for the first time, finishing eighth in the under 12s boys’ category.
James added: “They were both nervous, but handled the occasion like pros.
“It was some achievement for Tom racing against older swimmers and I’m sure he’ll return next year and dominate in the same age-group.”
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