Derventio eXcel Club News

DX swimmers continue to collect Olympic Trials and National Qualifications!

2012-01-17T15:05:00.004Z

Derventio eXcel swimmers swam in their first competition of the year last weekend.

The swimmers who were competing for their home clubs were on fine form and started 2012 off in style.

All swimmers stepped up and produced some great early year racing.

There were personal best times, after personal best times and qualification times for Olympic Trials and National Championships:

Abbie Wood - Olympic Trials 100m Breaststroke, National 200m Fly
Kane Haggett - Senior National 50m Backstroke
Eve Farnsworth - National 100m and 200m Backstroke
Chloe Johnson - National 200m Backstroke
Kay Goulden - National 100m Fly
Lucy Wood - National 100m Backstroke
Danny Anderson - Senior National 50m Breaststroke
Sarah Vasey - Senior National 100m Breaststroke and National 200m Breaststroke
Ben Goodall - National 400m Freestyle
Tyler-Ann Black - National 50m Freestyle

There were also Gold Medals for Abbie Wood in the 200m I.M, 200m Fly, 200m Breaststroke, and Bronze in the 200m Freestyle

Molly Renshaw in the 15 yrs and Over won Silver in the 200m Breaststroke, 400m Freestyle, Silver in the 200m I.M, Bronze in the 100m Breaststroke

Hannah Jones won Gold in the 200m Fly and Bronze in the 100m Fly

Sarah Vasey won Silver in the 50m Breaststroke

Kane Haggett won Bronze in the 50m Backstroke

Dreams Turn into Reality

2012-01-08T15:26:00.000Z

At 5.00am, on 4^thNovember 2009, Karl Davidson and Simon Mounsey had to stand in front of 12 DX swimmers and parentsto tell them their programme had been axed with immediate effect. Not apleasant task!

After 2 years hard work by Simon and Karl and more recently Andi Manley and other members of the DX coaching staff and committee, dreams turned to reality as Derventio eXcel held its first session for all DX/DXDS swimmers from the Buxton and Chesterfield hubs and all DX south swimmers at the impressive 8 lane pool at Matlock's ARC Centre.

At 5.30am on Saturday 7th January 2012 DX & DXDS swimmers were in the crystal clear waters watched by DX head coach and member of the GB coaching staff on the recent trip to the European Short Course Championships, Andi Manley. Andi was joined for the first session by Carla Bickerstaffe, standing in for Chesterfield head coach and DX coach Mark Tanner and DX coach Keith Kelly. DX Coach Kim Hill who would normally be at this session, was away on duty with England Talent together with 5 of the DX swimmers.

The session, also attended by many parents from all three hubs watching from the spectator stand was followed with an Anti Doping Talk presented by Wendy Cole of the ASA.

Derventio eXcel now has a squad of 40 full time and 25 development squad swimmers within the County. These swimmers training together as one squad every Saturday morning at this fantastic facility have a busy schedule to look forward to over the next 5 weeks, starting, with a trip to Ponds Forge in Sheffield next Saturday and giving them an opportunity to get some race practice, at the fastest pool in the Country during a level 1 meet. Some of our swimmers will then attend the Zonal Meet at Corby on 28th & 29th January before they return to the magnificent Ponds Forge venue for our very own February Festival and an opportunity to race against some of the fastest swimmers in the Country, attempting to obtain times for the Olympic Trials at the new Aquatics Centre in London's Olympic Park. After this, 21 DX swimmers jet off to Lanzarote for a 10 day training camp at Club La Santa. With its 50 mtr training pool and world class facilities what better way for those amongst them that have qualified to prepare for what is likely to be, one of the most spectacular swimming events ever held in the UK on their return.

Imogen Clark in Olympic Torch Honour!

2011-12-30T22:47:00.005Z

Derventio eXcel swimmer Imogen Clark has been selected to carry the Olympic torch as it travels the length of the country in the build up to the Olympic Games.

The confirmed details are yet to be finalised, but Imogen who has ordered her Olympic Torch Kit will be a member of the relay in late June which will carry the torch on its journey to the Olympic Stadium on July 27th 2012.

Imogen who is one of the youngest members of the Derventio squad heard of her selection in November. Imogen is very excited and is now to await further instructions about her role.

All at Derventio want to extend their congratulations on her selection.

Watch this space for further details......

Thats all folks!

2011-12-18T18:02:00.001Z

Well that's it everyone, we're on our way home.
The meet finished with all the swimmers at the end of the pool cheering Abbie Wood to a 5.11.10 in the 400 IM. Abbie also scooped the top 12 year girl award and £50.00 prize! Beer money for Daz and Ju this Christmas!
The coaches have chosen Elle Pryce as DX swimmer of the meet for her 9 swims and 9 PB's.
We've had a great time, the swimmers have been professional but have had lots of fun.
I've really enjoyed the way the new swimmers have settled into the squad over the weekend, watching the quality of their performances over the weekend really excites me about the long term future of The Derbyshire Performance Squad.
Finally, a massive thank you to Tracie for sorting all the food out and looking after the swimmers!
Awesome

Leeds - session 4 more medals

2011-12-18T16:55:00.001Z

Leeds - more medals:-
Imogen Clark bronze 12 years 100 free
Tyler-Anne Black gold 14 years 100 free
Chloe Johnson gold 14 years 100 back
Oli Davidson silver 13 years 200 back

Leeds Top Club - latest

2011-12-18T16:33:00.001Z

After event 409 the top club positions are:-
Manchester Aquatics 96
Derventio 70
Hatfield 44
Stockport Metro 42
Leek 28

Leeds - Session 4

2011-12-18T15:26:00.001Z

The story so far:-
Dylan Tomlinson gold 13 years 200 breast
Imogen Clark gold 12 years 50 fly
Kay Goulden 13 years 50 fly
Kane Haggett gold 15+ 50 free

From the swimmers

2011-12-18T13:23:00.000Z

Kathryn Roworth - Are we still in EnglandEve Farnsworth - I love Leeds. A hint of sarcasm here I think! Kay Goulden - multi tasking, flirting with 2 boys at onceEveryone locked out of their rooms last night as all the key cards were disabled, reception loved that! Abbie Wood - Are we in Wales?

Leeds session 3 - summary

2011-12-18T13:08:00.001Z

DX came back hard this morning winning a massive 10 medals:-
Oli Davidson gold 13 years 100 back
Abbie Wood gold 12 years 200 fly & bronze 200 back
Kay Goulden bronze 13 years 200 fly
Hannah Jones gold 14 years 200 fly
Kane Haggett gold 15+ 100 free
Imogen Clark silver 12 years 50 free
Tyler-Anne Black gold 14 years 50 free
Chloe Johnson silver 14 years 200 back
Kathryn Roworth bronze 14 years 200 back

Whatever went in the dinner last night did the trick said Andi Manley. Manley added they've really stepped it up, they did what we asked, almost seems like a different team has turned up. The swimmers focused on technique swimming magnificently this morning.

2011-12-18T12:15:00.001Z

Dx are having a good morning, 7 medals so far including an awesome swim from Kane Haggett in the 100 Free winning the open catagory in a time of 52.25 with a .5 second PBO

Leeds - Top Club & Top Swimmer

2011-12-18T09:17:00.001Z

At the end of day 1 Manchester in first place with 44 pointsDerventio in second place with 32 pointsAbbie Wood is currently top swimmer in girls 12 years catagory

Leeds Meet - Day 3

2011-12-18T08:29:00.001Z

Last day today, the swimmers were all really well organised this morning, everything went like clockwork at the hotel and we arrived at the pool in good time allowing us to get a couple of photos before bloodflow and warm up.
All the swimmers are in good spirts and looking forward to a good days racing.
Lets Go!!!

Day 2 - The Younger Swimmers View of the Day

2011-12-17T19:34:00.001Z

First day = AMAZING!! First we got up and had some brekkie! After we got on the coach to the swimming pool then we all got ready for the warm-up. Next thing we knew it was the first event. Unfortunately, first session wasn't so great, but we all put that down to a slow pool! Andi encouraged us to persevere and just have fun.

Then the second session was a lot more better, everyone put the first behind them and just literally had fun. It was great to be a part of such a big successful team, especially when we found out that we are the second best team at the meet! Now we all know that as long as we put 100% in tomorrow, we could BE THE BEST!!!

After we got back, everyone had a well earned rest and tea. We're all looking forward to showing Manchester (who are currently the top of the meet) WHAT WE'RE MADE OF...:

Written by Leah Moss, Elizabeth Critchlow & Imogen Morris :)!

Leeds Day 2 - Session 2

2011-12-17T16:40:00.001Z

It's been another tough session of racing this afternoon.
"Whilst some of the times have been slower than we hoped for the swimmers have shown toughness in racing and good application of skill throughout. Most of the team have understood that its not always about the time on the scoreboard but sometimes about the process of developing as an athlete" said Andi Manley. Mark Tanner added "It's been great to see the whole of DX come together for their first level 1 meet since the introduction of the hub squads"

Medals so far in this session have been won by:-
Abbie Wood silver12 years 100 IM gold 200 Breast
Hannah Jones silver 14 years 100 IM
Dylan Tomkinson gold 13 years 100 Breast
Oli Davidson bronze 13 years 50 Back
Imogen Clark gold 12 years 50 Breast bronze 200 Breast
Jodie Hawksworth bronze 15+ 50 Breast
Sophie Critchlow gold 13 years 200 Breast

DX were second in the league table at the end of the morning session.

It's just been confirmed that Hannah Jones is totally crazy, she's decided to swim Fly in the 400 Freestyle, last event of the day!!! That's not strictly true, word has it that Mr. Manley instigated it. "Jonesy" drove it all the way home in a time of 5.03.65

More later folks!

Leeds - Day 2

2011-12-17T08:48:00.000Z

Jamie Ingram got our first morning at the Leeds Christmas Cracker off to a start swimming a 1.08.60. He was followed in the water by Ben Goodall, Kane Haggett, Kev Wallbank and Matt Smithurst in quick succession.

Starting the morning off for the girls were Elizabeth Critchlow, Charlotte Rawle, Elle Pryce, Imogen Morris, Louise Ratcliffe, Tyler-Anne Black, Sophie Critchlow, Imogen Clark, Abbie Wood, Sarah Vasey and Jodie Hawksworth in the 100 Breaststroke.

It soon became apparent that this isn't a pool for racing fast not only for DX but all squads present. However DX showed their professionalism and dug deep swimming hard and showing total commitment.

Some notable performances came from:-

Abbie Wood 1st 12 years 100 Breast & 200 IM

Jodie Hawksworth 1st 15+ 100 Breast

Oli Davidson 2nd 13 years 50 Breast

Chloe Johnson 3rd years 50 Back

Kay Goulden 2nd 13 years 50 Back

Hannah Jones 1st 14 years 200 IM

Sophie Critchlow 3rd 13 years 100 Breast

Imogen Clark 3rd 12 years 100 Breast

There were also some good PB's coming from Imogen Morris, Elizabeth Critchlow, Josh Ball, Hannah Jones, James Latham, Mischa Menzies, Jess Cross, Kay Goulden, Imogen Clark, Elle Pryce, Francesca Muir-Harris, Ed Borysiak, Rob Ainley and Charlotte Rawle.

The swimmers have all had a good lunch and are ready to hit the water hard this afternoon!!!!

Sorry if I've missed medal winners or PB swimmers, I'm typing this during the afternoon warm up!!!

Leeds - Day 1

2011-12-16T23:31:00.000Z

The squad left Moorways at 5.30, calling at Chesterfield at collect Imogen, Leah, Matt, Sophie and Elizabeth, all excited about joining their team mates for the first time on a DX camp.

Listening to the Christmas cd provided by Mark the squad soon learnt of another DX British Championships time before even setting foot in the Leeds venue. Ben Goodall smashing the QT by 4 seconds in the 1500 free at Corby as a warm up before joining us for breakfast tomorrow!

Arrived safely at the hotel at approx 7.30pm. Andi held a brief team meeting on the coach whilst the team managers checked everyone in. Once inside the hotel the older swimmers made there way to their rooms to unpack whilst Kim had a meeting with the younger swimmers and swimmers that haven't been away with DX previously.

Most of the swimmers settled down for an early night, a few of the older ones taking the opportunity to relax in the restaurant and have a bite to eat.

The whole squad is looking forward to a weekend of fast racing and fun.

Let's GO DX

Francesca and James raise Money for Rainbow Charity in Santa Run

2011-12-13T22:31:00.003Z

Francesca Muir-Harris and Stepdad James ran in the Santa Run on sunday to raise money for the Rainbow Charity. They raised £120, and Francesca finished 12th in 17.51 mins and James 23rd in 19.16 mins out of 400 competitiors!

Well Done Francesca and James....liking your festive outfits!

Day 3 European Short Course Championships, Poland!

2011-12-11T19:57:00.002Z

Molly Renshaw swam in the 100m Breaststroke today and swam just outside her personal best time in a time of 1.09.9!

Well Done Molly on your fantastic achievments this week.

Next Stop for Derventio eXcel...Leeds!

Molly Renshaw smashes Senior and Junior Records to finish 5th in Europe!

2011-12-09T22:46:00.004Z

Molly Renshaw swam in her first Senior International final tonight, after qualifying in 8th position in a new British Junior record this morning.

Molly finished the final in 5th position and had a great swim hitting personal best times at 50m (33.34), 100m (1.09.33) and 200m in a new English Senior Record and Junior British and English record of 2.22.68.

Molly was interviewed by British Swimming and the interview can be seen on their website:
http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/news/swimming/smith-continues-medal-rush-in-poland/11938/

Molly still has two events to compete in starting with the 100m Breaststroke tomorrow and the 400m I.M on Sunday.

Well Done Molly! We are all very Proud of you back home!

Molly Renshaw breaks British Record and Qualifies for Senior European Final!

2011-12-09T09:38:00.004Z

Derventio eXcel's Molly Renshaw broke her own British and English Junior Short Course 200m Breaststroke records this morning in a time of 2.24.59 (subject to ratification) at the European Short Course Championships in Poland (picture of pool live from Poland this morning). This beat the time she set less than a week ago at the Midland Short Course Championships. Molly's time was also under the old English Senior record which was also beaten by her GB teammate Stacey Tadd in heat 1.

Molly has qualified for her first Senior International final in 7th place.

The finals can be watched live at: http://www.ecszczecin2011.eu/en/online-broadcast/ with Molly due to swim at 17.33pm Polish time which is 16.33 UK time.

Alternativley their are also highlights on Eurosport.

Well Done Molly! Everyone is behind you tonight!

2011-12-08T14:36:00.002Z

Derventio eXcel's Molly Renshaw competed for Great Britain this morning in the 200m I.M at the European Short Course Championships in Szczecin in Poland.

Molly swam a great heats swim narrowly missing her best in a time of 2.16.86.

Molly will now look forward to her more favourite event the 200m Breaststroke tomorrow morning.

Action can be seen on Eurosport at 8.30-9.30am and 18.45-20.00pm.

There is also an online broadcast at:

http://www.ecszczecin2011.eu/en/online-broadcast/

Derventio Dominates Regional Short Course Champs!

2011-12-05T23:58:00.009Z

British Records, Regional Records, County Records and Personal Best times were smashed as Derventio eXcel swimmers took to the waters of Corby International Pool for the Midland Short Course Championships this weekend to win medals galore.

26 Derventio eXcel swimmers took part in the championships and the swimmers from the Derbyshire elite squad proved they are a force to be reckoned with at all ages.

Derventio came away with no fewer than 46 medals! Which surpassed last years mark of 29 medals and then some.

The competition kicked off with BEN GOODALL winning a Bronze medal and smashing the nine year old county record formerly held by past Derbyshire Olympian Dean Milwain. Ben also went onto win medals in . Ben also took the Gold in the Junior 400m I.M and placed 5th in the Senior final and took the Junior Silver in the 200m Fly finishing 7th in the Senior Final.

JAMES LATHAM took the Hat trick of Junior Boys Breaststroke events winning Gold medals in the 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke. This included the swim off between himself and friend Joshua Winnicott from Birmingham for the Junior 100m Breaststroke Champion. James emerged the victor smashing his personal best time in a time of 1.05. James also finished 5th place in the senior final of the 200m Breaststroke. Showing his versatility and strength in all strokes James also won Bronze in the Junior mens 100m Free, 200m Free and 200m I.M.

DX Women swimmers took charge of the Breaststroke events and went 1, 2 in the 100m Breaststroke Senior and Junior Championships with MOLLY RENSHAW taking two Gold medals and Jodie Hawksworth taking two Silver medals. In the 50m event JODIE HAWKSWORTH swam a new county record to take the title in the Junior event and Silver in the Senior event with SARAH VASEY storming to Bronze in the Senior event and Silver in the Junior event. Derventio then went 1,2,3 in the Junior Womens 200m Breaststroke event with Molly Renshaw BREAKING HER BRITISH JUNIOR SHORT COURSE RECORD and smashing the regional Senior and Junior and County records in a time of 2.25.05 (subject to ratification), missing the Senior British record by 0.05. This performance also earnt Molly Junior performance of the meet. Her teammates Jodie Hawksworth and ABBIE WOOD took Silver and Bronze respectivley in the Juniors and Silver and 6th respectivley in the Senior events.

Molly also took Silver in the 400m I.M Senior and Gold in the Junior event, and Gold in the 100m I.M Molly took Gold in the Junior and Senior events in a new county record and Jodie took Silver in the Junior event. Molly also took Gold in the Junior 200m I.M and Silver in the Senior final.

KEVIN WALLBANK took Junior Mens Gold in the 200m I.M posting a new Junior mens county record and finishing 5th in the Senior mens final. Kevin also captured Junior Gold in the mens 200m Butterfly finishing 6th in the Senior final, and Junior Gold in the Mens 100m Fly and 50m Fly. Kevin also took Bronze in the Mens Junior 400m I.M, finishing 6th in the Senior final, which he then repeated in the 100m I.M final capturing the Junior Gold

In the Mens 200m Freestyle Kevin Wallbank took Junior Silver and James Latham Junior Bronze. MISCHA MENZIES smashed his personal best time to go 1.57.13 for the first time to add to his first sub 54 second 100m Freestyle this weekend.

HANNAH JONES took 2 medals, with a Bronze in the Junior Womens 100m Fly and a Silver in the Junior Womens 200m Fly placing 7th in the Senior final.

Sprint specialist and Club Captain KANE HAGGETT smashed his personal best time to take Silver in the 100m Free, and showed that he is a force to be reckoned with when he dominated the 50m Freestyle going sub-23 seconds in a new county record time and finished 6th in the 50m Backstroke.

LUCY WOOD took a Bronze medal in the womens Junior 200m Backstroke.

TYLER-ANN BLACK took Bronze in the Junior Women's 50m Fly, and Bronze in the 4 x 100m Free Relay.

Newcomer to the squad DANNY ANDERSON finished 7th in the Mens 200m Breaststroke Senior Final, and 8th in the 100m Breaststroke final.

All swimmers swam great swims this weekend and as a team were second to none, capturing more medals than any other team in the Junior section and holding their own in the Senior section also.

Other notable performances were:

KATHRYN ROWORTH qualifying for her 1st ever National Chmapionships in the 200m Backstroke.

National Times were also gained by Kevin Wallbank, Ben Goodall, Kane Haggett and Abbie Wood.

OLIVER DAVIDSON as the youngest in the field smashed his personal best in the 200m Backstroke leading from the front in a strong race.

SOPHIE CRITCHLOW in her first outing as a Derventio swimmer capturing a 2 second personal best time in the 200m Breaststroke.

EVE FARNSWORTH working her underwater to great affect in the Backstroke events going sub 1.04 for 100m for the first time ever and Silver in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay.

CHLOE JOHNSON posting several personal best times and looking strong, and in a range of events including Backstroke, Fly and Freestyle.

IMOGEN CLARK in her first ever regional short course event posting a 1.01.95 on the anchor leg of the Junior relay along with personal best times in the 100m I.M and 50m Breaststroke.

JESS CROSS and LEAH HOLLINGSWORTH competing in their first ever regional short course championships gaining personal best times in the 100m I.M

FRAN MARSHALL smashing her Butterfly best times and winning medals in both relay teams.

HARRY WEBSTER demonstrating his prowess underwater in his Breaststroke and Medley evetns.

Derventio eXcel's Womens relay teams were also out in force winning the Bronze medal in a very exciting 4 x 100m Free were Frances Marshall, Molly Renshaw, Tyler-Ann Black with Womens Captain Evie Keane posting a 57.61 to move the team up to Bronze position.

In the 4 x 100m Medley Relay DX had no less than 3 teams out in force, with the A team of Eve Farnsworth, Molly Renshaw, Hannah Jones and Evie Keane winning a Silver medal in a new county record time. The B team of Lucy Wood, Jodie Hawksworth, Tyler-Ann Black and Fran Marshall just missed out on a medal finishing 4th. The Junior Team of Kathryn Roworth, Abbie Wood, Kay Goulden and Imogen Clark finished in 8th position and are certainly ones to watch in the future. Along with the 12 girls competing in the relays there were also several other swimmers on the side supporting who can make those relay spots, which demonstrates the strength and depth in the squad.

A Great Weekend was had by all the team! Well Done to every swimmer and Thanks to Keith Kelly and Richard Latham for their work on poolside.

Derventio eXcel Swimmers out in force this weekend!

2011-12-05T10:22:00.000Z

Whilst the majority of the Squad were at the Midland Short Course Championships this weekend, some of the younger and newer Derventio eXcel Swimmers were in action elsewhere.

Krissy Tomlinson 11 years, was swimming at the Snow Frills meet in Sheffield, and stormed away to win Gold in the 100m Back, 50m Free and 50m Breaststroke. Silver in the 200m I.M, 50m Back, 100m Fly. Bronze in the 100m Breaststroke, 100m Free, 200m Back. Krissy did 8 out of 9 personal best times in a heavy schedule.

There were also several members of the Squad at the Chesterfield Christmas Cracker meet.

Jamie Ingram took Gold in the 400m Freestyle event, knocking 7 seconds off his personal best time in a greatly paced swim.

Also competing at the Chesterfield Open were some of the newer swimmers to the Squad. Sophie Critchlow, Imogen Morris and Stephanie Williams all achieved Regional Qualification times and personal best times, and other members Matthew Mounsey, Joe Doody, Elizabeth Critchlow and Josh Ball all achieved many personal best times and medals.

Well Done to all swimmers!

Training Alteration!

2011-12-01T14:34:00.000Z

Loughborough Cancellation - 21 Dec

There will be no training available at Loughborough on Wednesday 21st December so all swimmers who normally attend this session, should go to Moorways instead 4:30-7:00pm.

This means that unfortunately there wont be any space for DXDS swimmers on 21/12/11 - please speak to Kim about a possible alternative session.

Renshaw wins CANADA CUP! and British Swimming document event!

2011-11-29T14:34:00.007Z

Derventio eXcel Swimmer Molly Renshaw won the overall Canada Cup for her performances in the Breaststroke section. Her Canada Cup record also broke the record of Annamay Peirse who is the current World Record Holder from Canada.

Well Done Molly!

British Swimming have also recognised the performances of the "Talented Young Swimmers" on their website:

http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/news/swimming/talented-young-swimmers-show-promise-at-canada-cup/11802/ (although it was not actually a personal best time for Molly in the 200m Breaststroke as documented in the article)

Canada Cup Record for Renshaw!

2011-11-28T00:49:00.005Z

Derventio eXcels Molly Renshaw took GOLD and broke the Canada Cup record in the 200m Breaststroke in her 4th fastest 200m Breaststroke ever in 2.28.36.

Molly pulled through the field in the last 100m, timing the last 15m to win the race in a new record time.

Minutes later she was back in the water to take her second GOLD medal of the evening in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay with her England Talent teammates.

Well Done to Molly and Jodie.

It will now be a long flight back to England, next stop will be Corby with their fellow Derventio eXcel teammates for the Midland Short Course Championships next weekend, before Molly heads out with the Senior Great Britain Team to Poland for the European Short Course Championships.

Day 3 - Canada Cup!

2011-11-27T17:36:00.003Z

Molly Renshaw has qualifed for the 200m Breaststroke Final in 1st position after a solid heats swim and will be looking to swim a fast swim tonight in her more favoured long course event.

Jodie Haqksworth also competed in the 200m Breaststroke narrowly missing her short course best, and also competed in the 100m Fly again narrowly missing her best.

Molly and Jodie compete for England Talent at the Canada Cup!

2011-11-26T22:57:00.003Z

Derventio eXcel and Great British Swimmers Jodie Hawksworth and Molly Renshaw flew to Canada on Monday for a training Camp and Competition in Toronto.

Jodie and Molly were competing for the England Talent team and competed in an unusal event which has short course heats and long course finals.

Yesterday Molly and Jodie competed in the 100m Breaststroke in which Molly clocked a 1.10.48 in the heats to qualify 5th for the final and Jodie swam a 1.11.54 finishing in 14th place to qualify for the B final. Molly also swam the 400m I.M and qualified in 14th for the B final and increased her position to 11th.

Later that day Molly swam a personal best time in her first long course meet of the season in a time of 1.10.72 to finish 5th. Jodie swam a 1.13.06 just tiring in the later stages of the race to move up to 12th.

Today Jodie swam in the 50m Breast to qualify 15th for the B final and swam a short course pb in the 200m I.M. Molly qualified 8th for 200m I.M final. Finals are being swum live NOW!

http://www.swimcanweb.tv/

Jodie came 13th in the 50m Breaststroke finals and Molly finished in 8th position in the 200m I.M.

DX and DXDS swimmers out in force at County Sprints Competition!

2011-11-22T21:01:00.004Z

Derventio eXcel (DX) and Derventio eXcel Development Squad (DXDS) trained swimmers were out in force last Sunday at the annual Derbyshire Sprints Competition. All swimmers who were competing for their home clubs had multiple races ranging from 50m to 400m and it was great to see all the swimmers swimming so well.

There were personal best times and medals galore.

DX swimmers who achieved qualifications for Olympic Trials and National Championships were:

Kevin Wallbank (Long Eaton) qualified for the Olympic Trials in March on his second event 200m Fly.
Kay Goulden (Long Eaton) qualified for the first time ever on the 200m Fly for the National Championships.
Lucy Wood (Buxton) qualified for her 3rd national championships in the 200m Backstroke.
James Latham (City of Derby) qualified for his second event at the National Championships in the 200m Breaststroke.
Abbie Wood (Buxton) qualifed for the Senior National Championships in 200m Breaststroke at the tender age of 12 years old.
Sarah Vasey (City of Derby) (100m Breast), Hannah Jones (Long Eaton) (100m and 200m Fly), James Latham (City of Derby) (100m Breast), Kevin Wallbank (Long Eaton) (200m Fly), Abbie Wood (Buxton) (100m and 200m Breast) all recomfirmed their previous qualifications for the National Championships set in October at the DX Short Course meet by also qualifying Long Course at this event.

The Derventio eXcel Hub Squads in Chesterfield and Buxton were launched earlier this month. These Hub Squads are Based at Buxton and Chesterfield and provide additional training in an enviroment that allows like minded individuals to train together towards common goals. These Hub squads bring about an expansion and are in addition to the current main Derby based central squad and allow swimmers from all over Derbyshire to access the performance pathway.

There were some great first time outings for new DX/DXDS swimmers who train in the main central derby based squad, and the Chesterfield and Buxton Hub squads for whom this was their first competition since starting to train with Derventio eXcel.

These were:

Alex Potts (Dronfield), Alice Richards (Ripley RASCALS), Amy Johnson (Buxton),Ben Saunders (Ilkeston), Chloe Bates (Swadlincote), Colin Cameron (Rykneld), Elizabeth Critchlow (Chesterfield), Ella Ingram (Ripley RASCALS), Helen Thornhill (Buxton), Imogen Morris (Chesterfield),Jack Smith (Dronfield), Katie Sloan (Long Eaton), Laura Trapp (Ripley RASCALS), Leah Beal (Derby Phoenix), Leah West (City of Derby), Matthew Mounsey (Chesterfield), Mia Barber (Ripley RASCALS), Sophie Bryne (Buxton), Sophie Critchlow (Chesterfield), Stephanie Williams (Chesterfield).

Members of the DX squad who won Championships at the Competition were:
Abbie Wood (2) (Buxton), Ben Goodall (Belper Marlins), Evie Keane (3) (Derby Phoenix), Frances Marshall (2) (Belper Marlins), Hannah Jones (3) (Long Eaton), Harry Webster (Derby Phoenix), Imogen Clark (Rykneld), Jamie Ingram (Ripley), James Latham (3) (City of Derby), Jess Cross (Ripley RASCALS), Kathryn Roworth (Etwall Eagles), Kay Goulden (Long Eaton), Kane Haggett (4) (City of Derby), Kevin Wallbank (2) (Long Eaton), Krissy Tomlinson (4)(Long Eaton), Louise Ratcliffe (Ripley RASCALS), Lucy Wood (2) (Buxton), Matthew Mounsey (Chesterfield), Mischa Menzies (2) (Long Eaton), Oliver Davidson (2) (Long Eaton), Sarah Vasey (2) (City of Derby), Tyler-Ann Black (Long Eaton).

Matthew Holt (Ashbourne) from DXDS also won a championship in the 50m Breaststroke.

DX and DXDS swimmers are now looking forward to the Midland Short Course Championships and the team stay away meet at Leeds before Christmas.

A Performance Squad for Derbyshire

2011-11-22T12:37:00.003Z

Derventio eXcel are extremely pleased to officially announce the opening of our two “Northern” hubs, catering both for full members of the DX squad and for swimmers in DXDS, our Development Squad swimmers.

Based at Buxton and Chesterfield, these hubs provide swimmers, who previously have been unable to access performance training within the County, the opportunity to join, train and compete with the Derbyshire Performance Squad, currently the most successful programme in the history of Derbyshire swimming!!!

Already, 5 swimmers have committed to the Buxton programme and 11 swimmers to the Chesterfield one, with 9 swimmers already meeting the entry criteria into the full DX squad. It is the aim of the Derventio coaching staff and committee to ensure, as these hubs develop and expand that the standard of swimming in Derbyshire continues to go from strength to strength.

Swimmers will be coached in Chesterfield by Mark Tanner (with support from Carla Bickerstaffe and Jake Golding) and in Buxton by Dave Peet, Mike Glossop and Kim Hill. All coaches will liaise with and work under the guidance of DX Head Coach Andi Manley and will follow the current programmes being operated in the South of the County. Strength and conditioning with Sports Science support will also be offered to ensure all Derventio swimmers have access to one of the most successful programmes in the Country.

In addition to this, from January 2012 (exact date to be confirmed) all full members of Derventio, along with DXDS swimmers from Buxton and Chesterfield hubs, will train together each Saturday from 5.30 – 8.00am at the new state-of-the-art 8 lane 25 metre competition pool in Matlock. With this venue offering us greater pool space with accessibility to all we have the opportunity to train together each week as one squad.

These are exciting times and we welcome all our swimmers and members to Derventio eXcel the Derbyshire Performance Squad.

Thank you,

The Derventio eXcel Committee

The new Arc Leisure Centre state of the art complex can be viewed at:-

http://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/leisure_centres/arcleisurematlock/default.asp

Derby University link up with Elite Swim Squad for Research!

2011-11-19T20:19:00.003Z

Picture Courtesy of:
http://www.derby.ac.uk/news/swimming-research-could-lead-to-quicker-times

Derby University have been undergoing testing with our swimmers at Derventio eXcel to all research into recovery stratedgies. Please click on the link to see the full report from Derby University:

http://www.derby.ac.uk/news/swimming-research-could-lead-to-quicker-times

Star Foundation

2011-11-12T09:42:00.004Z

Derventio swimmers received a cheque this morning from Pete Tryner of the Star Foundation. The cheque for £99.00 was received by Sarah Vasey who donated the most unwanted goods on Saturday 24th September at Ripley Leisure Centre. Sarah was also awarded a certificate and gets £15.00 off her December subs. The next collection is next Saturday at 8.00am. Please remember to bring your unwanted clothing, shoes, cds, dvds and toys for the rags to riches recycling campaign.

We receive remuneration for these efforts; this is 40% of the funds raised from the recycling of clothes etc and 25p per cd or dvd. Money raised is used to assist in the continued running of our squad.

Molly Renshaw Derbyshire Sport Young Sports Woman of the Year!

2011-11-12T08:58:00.003Z

Derventio eXcel and Great Britain swimmer Molly Renshaw (pictured above in action and bottom left along with other nominees) attended the Derbyshire Sport Sports Awards last night at the Roundhouse in Derby where she was crowned Derby City Council's Junior Sports Woman of the Year.

Molly who won the Amber Valley district Junior sports woman of the year then went onto the County awards.

Molly who is going from strength to strength was the youngest swimmer to qualify for the World Championships in July highlighted the success of swimming in the county as she is one of 4 Derventio eXcel - Derbyshire's elite performance swim squad swimmers who competed for their country last year.

Well Done Molly!

(bottom picture courtesy of http://www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/)

Derventio Swimmers celebrate the Olympic Torch Passing through Derbyshire!

2011-11-09T13:54:00.003Z

Derventio eXcel swimmers Abbie and Lucy Wood were part of a select group of Talented young athletes from Buxton who celebrated the news that the Olympic Flame will travel through Buxton on its way to Derby in the Olympic Torch relay prior to the Olympic Games. The Flame will pass through Buxton on the 29th June 2012. The girls were joined by sporting stars from all sports and council dignatories.

Matt Smithurst off to a great start winning Bronze medal on day 1

2011-10-28T22:37:00.002+01:00

Matt Smithurst is competing at the National Masters and Senior Competition this weekend.

Matt's first event was the 200m I.M and he won a BRONZE medal in 2.12.45.

Matt also posted a personal best time in the 50m Fly in 26.85!

Well Done Matt Keep up the good work!

Derbyshire swimmers come together to BEST EVER finish in National County Team Championships!

2011-10-20T07:41:00.003+01:00

The best ranked swimmers in Derbyshire came together on 16^th October to compete in the British Gas Annual National County Team Championships. 39 county teams from all over England, Wales and Scotland took to Ponds Forge International Sports Centre to compete in this national event. The fastest 50 metre pool in Britain is split by a boom to provide competitors and spectators with an opportunity to watch both division 1and 2 swimming in 2 pools providing 20 swimmers racing at any one time, making it one of the most exciting swimming events that takes place in Britain.

Derbyshire who were promoted to Division 1 in 2006 have consistently finished just outside the top 10 counties in the country with placings of 13^th (2007), 11^th (2008), 14^th (2009 and 2010).

In 2011 27 of Derbyshire’s finest swimmers formed a team to provide the county with its BEST EVER finish since their promotion to division 1 as they finished in a staggering 9^th place!

With face paints, hats and goggles on, the mission of the day was for swimmers to improve on their rankings going into the event and the team did not disappoint. Out of 31 races Derbyshire’s team led by female captain Evie Keane (Derby Phoenix) and male captain Adam Peaty (City of Derby) improved on their rankings in 21 of these races!

One of the races of the day had to go to male captain Adam Peaty (City of Derby) who took victory in the 16/17 year old 100m Breaststroke in a time of 1.01.3, beating the current world junior champion and also gaining a qualifying time for the 2012 national championships.

Derbyshire’s swimmers produced personal best after personal best to be the most successful county team ever, with 4 more swimmers also recording qualifying times for the 2012 national championships; James Latham (City of Derby) 2^nd place in the 100m Breaststroke in a time of 1.06.63, Abbie Wood (Buxton) 3^rd place in the 100m Breaststroke in a time of 1.14.76, Hannah Jones (Long Eaton) 7^th place in the 100m Fly in a time of 1.04.07, and finishing her competitive swimming career in style Emily Allsopp (Buxton) 7^th place in the 100m Backstroke in a time of 1.03.94.

Other notable performances came from Molly Renshaw (Ripley Rascals) 100m Breaststroke 3^rd place, Kevin Wallbank (Long Eaton) 100m Fly 5^th place, Oliver Davidson (Long Eaton) 100m Backstroke 6^th place, Kathryn Roworth (Etwall) 100m Backstroke 7^th place, Daniel Johnson (City of Derby) 100m Breaststroke 9^th place, Matthew Wood (City of Derby) 100m Freestyle 9^th place,

In the relay teams, the 14/15 years boys medley team of Kevin Wallbank (Long Eaton) James Latham (City of Derby) Ben Goodall (Belper Marlins) and Jordan Buzec (City of Derby) finished 3^rd and the 12/13 years Boys medley relay team of Oliver Davidson (Long Eaton), Matthew Mounsey (Chesterfield), Jamie Ingram (Ripley RASCALS) and Matthew Wood (City of Derby) finished 8^th.

Andi Manley Head Coach for the event said “It was a great day, fast racing and good fun. All swimmers gave their all in and out of the pool and pulled together to achieve the best ever result for Derbyshire. They should all be very proud to be part of something so special”

Derbyshire Amateur Swimming Association Chairman Karl Davidson added, “the swimmers were fantastic today, it was one the most emotionally charged events I have ever attended. I’d like to thank all the parents and spectators for their support and a big thank you must go to Joyce Mellor for organising this event for Derbyshire”.

Derbyshire Team 2011:

Evie Keane (Derby Phoenix)

Adam Peaty (City of Derby)

Emily Allsopp (Buxton)

Connor Smith (City of Derby)

Sasha Wisdish (Derby Phoenix)

Charles Softley (City of Derby)

Frances Marshall (Belper Marlins)

Thomas Matthews (City of Derby)

Hannah Cox (Long Eaton)

Kevin Wallbank (Long Eaton)

Hannah Jones (Long Eaton)

James Latham (City of Derby)

Molly Renshaw (Ripley RASCALS)

Ben Goodall (Belper Marlins)

Catherine Williams (City of Derby)

Jordan Buzec (City of Derby)

Lucy Wood (Buxton)

Tyler-Anne Black (Long Eaton)

Oliver Davidson (Long Eaton)

Abbie Wood (Buxton)

Jamie Ingram (Ripley RASCALS)

Kathryn Roworth (Etwall Eagles)

Matthew Mounsey (Chesterfield)

Kay Goulden (Long Eaton)

Daniel Johnson (City of Derby)

Rhianna Sheehan (City of Derby)

Matthew Wood (City of Derby)

Coaching Staff: Andi Manley, Kim Hill, Spencer George, Michael Glossop, Mark Tanner

Team Managers: Michael Glossop, Richard Latham

Intercounties

2011-10-18T08:32:00.007+01:00

Above - 13 and under Derbyshire relay team, sent in by Karl Davidson

As Team Manager at the Intercounties event held at Ponds Forge on Sunday I feel duty bound to publish the following post:-

It was a privilege and a pleasure to be part of the most successful team of swimmers that have competed for Derbyshire at this event. Swimmers representing their home clubs of Belper Marlins, Buxton, Chesterfield, City of Derby, Derby Phoenix, Etwall, Long Eaton and Ripley proudly wore their Derbyshire hats swimming magnificently under the inspirational leadership of Andi Manley and his team of coaching staff Kim Hill, Mark Tanner, Mike Glossop and Spencer George. This team not only ensured Derbyshire retained their status in Division 1 of the competition but elevated them to 9th position in the rankings, their highest ever position.

I'd like to thank ALL of our swimmers for their professionalism and attitude, they were a credit to their clubs and County.

Kim Hill will be preparing a full report which will be posted on this blog and the DASA website over the next few days.

I'd also like to say a big thank you to Darren Wood for taking as many photographs as he could during the event and sending them on to parents and clubs. Anybody with a photo of their son or daughter that they'd like published please forward it on to me, I've started it off with one of James.

Finally, I'd also like to congratulate Jodie Hawksworth and Chloe Johnson who put in magnificent performances for Staffordshire assisting them in gaining promotion to Division 1. Well done!!!

DX gain their first 7 Olympic Trials Qualifiers and 7 National Quailifiers of the 2011-2012 Season already!

2011-10-10T10:48:00.004+01:00

Derventio eXcel have 7 swimmers qualified to swim in the pool of dreams at the OLYMPIC TRIALS in March 2012.

The swimmers will race alongside the best swimmers in the world at the GB Olympic Trials when swimmers from GB and the rest of the world compete in the London Olympic Pool.

Derventio swimmers qualified SO FAR are:

Hannah Jones
Molly Renshaw
Jodie Hawksworth
Abbie Wood
Ben Goodall
Kevin Wallbank
Kane Haggett

Other Derventio Alumni to qualify whilst training and racing for Derventio are Chris Steeples, Zichen Liu and James Lovatt.

Derventio eXcel hosted their first short course open meet in Derbyshire last weekend.

This open meet was a huge success and swimmers all swam well for their first meet of the season.

The focus was on racing skills and swimming tough, but was also the place for early season personal best after personal best.

7 Derventio Swimmers have qualified for the National Championships in their first races of the season!

Derventio swimmers qualified SO FAR are:

Hannah Jones
Sarah Vasey
Abbie Wood
Jodie Hawksworth
Molly Renshaw
Kevin Wallbank
Kane Haggett

Well Done and the Hard work continues........

GB call ups for Renshaw and Manley!

2011-10-10T10:43:00.002+01:00

Derventio eXcel Head Coach Andi Manley and Derventio Swimmer Molly Renshaw have been selected onto the Great Britain team for the European Short Course Championships in Poland in December.

This is a great achievment and is the first International call up of the 2011-2012 season for most of the British Swimmers, and will provide great early season racing and preparation.

The news has been documented on the British Swimming Website:
http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/news/swimming/british-swimmers-2012/11239/

Congratulations Andi and Molly.

Austyn Manley shows off his new bottle!

2011-10-06T09:01:00.003+01:00

Here is Austyn Manley with his Daddy's new DX drinks bottle! He certainly looks like he is enjoying his drink!

Picture courtesy of Leanne Manley.

Website Update

2011-09-29T17:02:00.002+01:00

The following have been updated on our website:-

DX training timetable for Youth, Age Group and DXDS squads

DX Calender 2011/12

DX 2011/12 Competition Calender

Glory Board including "All Time Top 10 Swims" and "Squad Records"

Molly Renshaw BRITISH Records CONFIRMED!

2011-09-28T21:39:00.003+01:00

Molly Renshaw has had her 2 British and English records confirmed for the record breaking swims that she swam at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man!

Well Done Molly!

MOLLY RENSHAW GOLD AS ENGLAND TAKE MEDLEY RELAY TITLE!

2011-09-11T19:46:00.002+01:00

Molly Renshaw was back into the water minutes after taking Silver in the 200m Breaststroke and took the GOLD MEDAL, along with her England Teammates Pheobe Lenderyou, Rachel Kelly and Sophie Smith.

England kept the lead from start to finish and Molly split in a time of 1.09.76!

MOLLY RENSHAW SMASHES HER BRITISH RECORD TO WIN SILVER MEDAL FOR ENGLAND!

2011-09-11T18:55:00.002+01:00

Derventio eXcel's Molly Renshaw battled in what was the closest race of the meet when she obliterated her British and English record set this morning in a time of 2.25.50 (subject to ratification) to win the Silver medal!

Well Done Molly!

BRITISH RECORD FOR MOLLY RENSHAW!

2011-09-11T13:58:00.003+01:00

Molly Renshaw swam in the heats of the 200m Breaststroke today at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man for England and qualified for the final in a new BRITISH and ENGLISH JUNIOR SHORT COURSE RECORD of 2.28.10 (subject to ratification).

Molly who competed for her first Great Britian teams at the end of last season has started off the 2011-2012 season in great shape. Good Luck for the final tonight.

You can watch the final live on the commonwealth youth games website: http://www.cyg2011.com/

at approx 17.30pm - 20.00pm

Go Molly

Molly Renshaw smashes personal bests in medley!

2011-09-10T18:51:00.006+01:00

molly renshaw swam in the 200m individual medley today and smashed her personal best in heats and final to knock 7 seconds off her previous best and finished 5th in 2.16.57.

molly will swim in the 200m breaststroke tomorrow for england.

please check out the commonwealth youth games 2011 website as live swimming is shown at 9.00am and 17.30pm including derventio's molly renshaw.

Molly Renshaw swims Personal Best in Commonwealth final!

2011-09-09T22:15:00.003+01:00

molly renshaw swam in the final of the 100m breaststroke for england in the commonwealth youth games tonight. after qualifying in a personal best of 1.11.1 in the heats set another personal best time of 1.10.27 finishing in 8th position. this is a great start to the early season for molly.

OLYMPIC TRIALS QUALIFYING TIMES OUT NOW!

2011-09-02T15:40:00.000+01:00

Olympic Trials Qualifying times are out now:

http://www.swimming.org/assets/uploads/events/Qualifying_Times_2911.pdf

THE TIMES ARE ELIGIBLE FROM THE 3RD OF MARCH 2011 AND THE CUT OFF IS THE 15TH FEB 2012!

The Schedule is here:

http://www.swimming.org/assets/uploads/events/Schedule_2911.pdf

The Conditions are here:

http://www.swimming.org/assets/uploads/events/Conditions_2911.pdf

Those of you who have already qualifed Congratulations you are swimming at the Olympic Trials 2012!

Those of you who are yet to qualify, I hope it will Inspire great training and focus day in and out for the next few months!

167 days until cut off for Olympic Trials
183 days until Olympic Trials
329 days until the Olympic Games

Molly Renshaw ready for Commonwealth Challenge - says British Swimming Website!

2011-09-01T21:58:00.004+01:00

Derventio eXcel's Molly Renshaw will feature in the ENGLAND team that will compete at the Commonwealth Youth Games on the Isle of Man next week.

Molly is part of a select elite team of youth swimmers competing for their home country in this event.

British Swimming website (http://www.swimming.org/) featured the team:

http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/news/swimming/promising-youth-team-ready-for-commonwealth-challenge/10663/

The Games take place from the 9th-11th of September 2011.

The official website is:

http://www.cyg2011.com/

Jodie in action again at World Juniors!

2011-08-18T20:57:00.001+01:00

Jodie Hawksworth swam in the 100m Breaststroke at the World Junior Championships. Jodie went out well to 50m but after a weaker turn couldnt not keep the momentum going and did not quite manage to capture the fantastic form from last month at the Euro Juniors and finished in a time of 1.12.79 finishing 20th and just outside the semi finals.

DX Swimmes adorn SWIMMINGTIMES MAGAZINE's pages

2011-08-18T12:20:00.004+01:00

Derventio eXcel swimmers are featured all over this months Swimming Times Magazine:

On Page 13: Harry Webster is pictured as part of the Great Britain European Youth Olympic Team.

On Page 13: Jodie is listed as a member of the Great Britain Team for the World Junior Championships in Peru (which are happening now)

On Page 14: Molly Renshaw's Swimming Times Cover for last month is mentioned as one of the Tweets of the month in the Twitter bite section.

On Page 22 - 31 there is a feature of the World Championships in which Molly was the youngest member of the Great British team at 15 years, Molly is pictured and featured on page 24.

On Page 36 - 42 there is a write up for the National Age Group Championships 2011 in which Abbie Wood is featured twice for her success.

On Page 58 - 69 there is a write up for the European Junior Championships in which Molly Renshaw and Jodie Hawksworth competed for Great Britain. Molly is pictured and featured on page 64 and Jodie is pictured and featured on page 67. There is also a team photo on page 69!

JODIE HAWKSWORTH 10TH IN THE WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS!

2011-08-17T10:00:00.001+01:00

Jodie Hawksworth swam in the Semi-finals of the 50m Breaststroke at the World Junior Championships, improving on her heats position of 15th to 10th in the World Juniors in her second best time ever in a time of 32.9.

Well Done Jodie, Jodie has her main event the 100m Breaststroke on Thursday at approx 15.00pm our time.

GO JODIE!

JODIE QUALIFIES FOR SEMI FINAL AT WORLD JUNIORS!

2011-08-16T21:59:00.004+01:00

Jodie Hawksworth swam in the heats of the 50m Breaststroke on the first day of competition at the World Junior Championships in Peru. Jodie swam a great heat swim of 33.14 just outside her personal best of 32.70 which she set in the semi finals at the European Junior Championships. Jodie has qualified for the semi finals which will be swam at 18.30 Peru time which is 12.30am our time.

Go Get Em Jodie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jodie Hawksworth swims for Great Britain tomorrow!

2011-08-15T22:38:00.004+01:00

Derventio eXcel's Jodie Hawksworth swims for Great Britain tomorrow in the World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru.

Jodie is part of a select British Squad who will compete against the best Junior swimmers in the World with 612 swimmers taking part from 64 countries.

Jodie will swim the 50m Breaststroke tomorrow.

Peru is 6 hours behind us timewise, and the heats will begin at 9.00am Peru time (which I think will be 15.00pm here)

Results can be viewed here: http://www.fina.org/H2O/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=1162

GO JODIE!

DX at Youth Nationals

2011-07-30T19:58:00.023+01:00

News from Youth Nationals Day 2!

2011-07-28T21:52:00.002+01:00

Day 2 of the Youth National Championships started off with the heats of the 200m Fly. Kevin Wallbank posted a great pb to start the day off, and Ben Goodall was again just outside his best.

We had three girls competing in the 200m Breaststroke today (With Molly Renshaw having competed earlier in Shanghai in the same event) all 3 girls were motivated and Jodie Hawksworth, Sarah Vasey and Leah Hollingsworth all made it through to the semi-finals, with Jodie swimming a faster time than her swim at European Juniors, Sarah getting within 0.06 of her personal best time and Leah just outside hers.

Next up was the 200m I.M for men and Kev Wallbank again posted a 3 second personal best time in an impressive swim to qualify for the semi-finals. Matt Smithurst who has not had the easiest long course season swam his season best time just outside his lifetime best in a solid way to end the season. Ben Goodall again swam a gutsy swim outside his personal best time.

Evie Keane swam a hard 400m Freestyle looking good to 250m and tieing up in the last few lengths. Evie who has not had an easy few months also swam the second leg of the 4 x 100m Free relay along with Fran Marshall, Tyler-Ann Black and Emily Allsopp who improved on their entry position and were 3 seconds faster than their qualification swim back in May.

Tonights finals and semi-final swims got off to a great start with the girls in the 200m Breaststroke. Jodie Hawksworth has qualified for the final in 4th position in a season best time of 2.36.39 and will be looking to step up in the final. 14 year old Sarah Vasey who was ranked 31st going into the championships also qualified for the 14/15 years final in 10th place in a 4 second personal best time, which is also looking great for her favourite 100m later in the week. 14 year old Leah Hollingsworth who achieved her first regional and national qualifying times, and has won her first regional medal and qualified for her first national semi-final all in one season swam a tough semi-final and fell short of her time earlier in the day. This semi-final experience so early on in her national swimming career will be of invaluable use in the future.

Kev Wallbank swam in the 200m I.M semi-final but never quite reached the speed of this morning and did not manage to improve on his personal best time from this morning.

Hannah Jones the youngest in the field in the 14/15 years 200m Fly swam a personal best time of 2.19.95 to finish 6th in the double age band. Hannah has improved her time 3 times in this championships and stepped up each round which is what championship swimming is all about.

James Latham then competed in his first National individual final, and was the only 15 year old to swim in the 15/16 years final, marginly missed his personal best time but stepped up from 10th to 9th position, showing his maturity and lessons learnt in experience from last year.

Thanks also to the support from the other DX and DXDS swimmers who are not competing at these championships so far over the last few days its been great to see people making the journey especially to support their teammates.

MOLLY AND HARRY SWIM FOR G.B.

2011-07-28T17:26:00.002+01:00

Molly Renshaw swam in Shanghai in the 200m Breaststroke and produced her fastest heat swim ever in 2.28.65 less than a second of her best time finishing 20th place.

Meanwhile in Turkey Harry Webster got his international debut off to a brilliant start by swimming a lifetime best time in the 100m Breaststroke in a time of 1.08.10.

Well done Molly and Harry we are all proud of you!

News from the National Youth Championships Day 1

2011-07-27T22:16:00.004+01:00

On day one at the National Youth Championships Ten Derventio Excel swimmers were in action.

First up was Jodie Hawksworth who posted personal best times in both the 200m I.M. heat and semi final showing a great start for the Breaststroke specialist.

Kev Wallbank also posted a personal best in the heats of the 100m Backstroke kicking his busy schedule of to a flying start.

Fifteen year old James Latham also had great heat and semi final swims in the 200m Breaststroke posting two personal best times he has qualified for tommorrow nights 15/16 years Final.

Fourteen year old Butterfly specialist Hannah Jones also kicked off her campaign with two personal best times in the heats and semis to qualify in tommorrow nights 14/15 years Final with room for improvement in sixth position.

Ben Goodall swam a solid 400m Freestyle heat finishing just short of his personal best time following this with the 200m Breaststroke in which he went out fast and came back at the field on the second 100m again just outside his personal best. With Bens more favourite events later on in the week this will have prepared him nicely.

Emily Allsopp swam a great heat swim in the 200m Backstroke just outside her personal best time to qualify for the semi final in thirtheenth place. In the semi final Emily went out fast but failed to hang on and was just short of the time set in the heats. Emily has the 100m Backstroke and Relay events to come in which the front end speed from todays races looks promising.

Lucy Wood also swam in the 200m Backstroke in which she went out at the 100m mark at a blistering pace but did not manage to hold onto her trade mark strong finish and was outside her personal best time. Lucy will now look forward to the 100m Backstroke after the first half of todays race.

Three girls were in action in the 100m Freestyle Tyler-Ann Black, Evie Keane and Fran Marshall all narrowly missed their personal best times but with the first swim out of the way they will be looking forward to other Individual and Relay events this week.

Molly Renshaw and Harry Webster In Action For Great Britain on Thursday

2011-07-27T22:03:00.002+01:00

Molly Renshaw will compete in the 200m Breaststroke for Great Britain at the World Championships in Shanghai in the early hours of Thursday morning GMT. You can catch her race live on Eurosport from 2am onwards when she races in the fastest heat against the World Champion on the 100m Breaststroke Rebecca Soni.

Harry Webster will also be in action for Great Britain at the European Youth Olympics in Turkey tomorrow. Harry will be swimming in the 100m Breaststroke. You can view the results on the website :European Youth Olympic Festival 2011 http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/results-and-rankings/results/

All of Derventio wish Molly And Harry GOOD LUCK!!!

2011-07-25T18:06:00.004+01:00

4 Medals and a podium finish in the overall results for Wood!

2011-07-25T17:57:00.004+01:00

On the final day of the National Age Group Championships 2011 Abbie Wood won her 4th medal of the meet in the 400m I.M in a blistering personal best time of 5.11.09 which smashed her personal best time.

Abbie showed great strength of charachter and competitivness following her heat swim which was 3 seconds down on her personal best, and stepped up in the finals which is what it takes to be an elite swimmer.

Abbie also won 3rd place in the BAGCAT awards which is for the best overall performances from all swims at the championships.

Abbie came away with 1 GOLD, 2 SILVER and 1 Bronze medal which doubles the amount of medals she won last year and with 2 of these being in the Individual medley events shows her versatility in all strokes, qualifying for 8 events this nationals and winning double the amount of medals as last year highlights the great progression she has made and is part and parcel of being in the elite squad of Derbyshire.

Well Done Abbie Very Proud! Your face today was a picture!

This week shows the start of the Youth National Championships and I am sure all of her DX teammates will have taken inspiration from the great swims Abbie has produced.

This week Great Britain Internationals Molly Renshaw and Harry Webster will also be in action. Molly at the World Championships in Shanghai and Harry at the European Youth Olympics in Turkey.

Abbie Wood takes Bronze Medal on fourth day of National Championships

2011-07-25T17:55:00.002+01:00

Derventio swimmer wins a Bronze medal and an excellent further .7 of a second off the 1.5 second personal best she set in the heats, coming back the strongest in the field in a time of 1.17.39.

Day 4 National Age Group Championships

2011-07-24T16:29:00.001+01:00

Abbie Wood has swam a 1.5 second Personal Best Time in the Heats of the 100m Breaststroke qualifying for tonights Final.

DX Seniors At Irish Nationals

2011-07-24T16:20:00.003+01:00

Dx Seniors having already competed at their nationals in June have gone over to Ireland for their last competition of the season. Chris Steeples has so far won two golds in 50m and 100m Breaststroke the 100 in a new personal best time to beat the one from June in 1.02.68. Zichen Liu took Bronze in the 100m Back in 57 seconds and Matt Smithurst 5th. Zichen Bronze 200m Back 2.03.69 PB and Hannah Sullivan 10th in 50m Back 32.64 and 7th in 200m Back 2.29.92

National Age Group Championships

2011-07-23T19:29:00.010+01:00

ABBIE WOOD NATIONAL CHAMPION!

2011-07-22T21:42:00.002+01:00

Abbie Wood swam this morning in the 200m Breaststroke heats and swam a blistering heats swim posting pbs at 50m and 100m in 1.17.59 and 200m in 2.40.41 which is the third fastest time ever for 12 year olds in Great Britain. 18 mins later she was back in the pool and swam another personal best in a time of 1.10.14. in the 100m Fly. Tonight she swam in the final of the 200m Breaststroke and became National Champion celebrating in style by a whopping 5.5 seconds again with a personal best times at 50 and 100 in 1.17.00 and finished strong in a time of 2.40.60. Abbie would like to thank all that came to support her today.

Well done Abbie Dx are all very proud of you.

Abbie Wood SILVER MEDAL on first day of National Championships!!!!!!

2011-07-21T21:11:00.006+01:00

Abbie Wood from Derventio competed in the first day of the National Age Group Championships in Sheffield.

She started off her campaign with a bang swimming a 2.2 second personal best in a time of 2.29.23 qualifying in second place for the final this afternoon.

Back again this afternoon in finals mode Abbie obliterated her PB set this morning in a closely contested amazing race to win the silver medal in a new best time of 2.26.80 recording another 2.43 second PB.

Following on from this great start Abbie will be back in the pool tomorrow for the 200m breaststroke and 100m fly!

Speedy Swimming at Chesterfield Open Meet

2011-07-20T11:11:00.004+01:00

Some of the younger and newer swimmers competed in their final meet of the season at the Chesterfield Summer Splash.

The swimmers all finished their season in fine form with every swimmer producing multiple personal best times.

Oliver Davidson who had a mamouth schedule won TOP BOY gaining personal best times in every swim. This is a great way to end the season and shows the hard work in training is paying off.

Other boys in action were Jamie Ingram who swam impressivley throughout the meet having to dash off inbetween for rehersals on saturday for his Euphonium exam and again for the exam on sunday swam pb after pb, most impressivley his backstroke and breastsroke events in which he has worked hard on his technique.

Edward Borysiak also posted lifetime bests in all events again showing great improvement on his Breaststroke knocking seconds and seconds off and is now looking good for I.M's, and strong freestyle swims.

Rob Ainley with his heavy schedule also produced swim after swim winning multiple medals with some good personal best times.

Matt Cross the youngest of the group swam "hard" in every event winning medal after medal knocking a whopping 48 seconds off his personal best time and more impressivley his turns work in training paid off.

Kathryn Roworth produced probably her swim of the season of 2.24 in the 200m Backstroke led from start to finish and her ferocious work in training paid off. Together with her many other pb's during the meet.

Louise Ratcliffe also produced some impressive swims and personal best times, although I am looking to give her counting lessons at the start of next season.

Jess Cross also produced some great swims, some of them having to swim on her own to produce good times and went 1.02 for the first time on 100m Freestyle.

Imogen Clark again with a heavy schedule swam to pb after pb and continues to show impressive performances and improvements through the season on all 4 strokes and distances.

Krissy Tomlinson fresh back from countless personal best times last weekend up in Newcastle again knocked out personal best times and competed in events she normally wouldnt like, and showed improvement in her Breaststroke and a great pb in the 200m backstroke.

Francesca Muir Harris swam fantastic swims in her loved freestyle but also produced some great personal best times in the other eve

Emma Longden only competing on Sunday showed impressive underwater skills to clinch medals in the 100 Fly and 50 and 400m freestyle.

Last but certainly not least Fearn Middleton who9 was suffering with illness battled on and never gave up to post a great personal best time in the 200m I.M by 3 seconds after gaining the previous personal best only a week earlier at the Ripley RASCALS sprint open meet, she also pb'd on the 50m Breaststroke.

All in all I must say that I was one very proud coach and the performances at the weekend could not have been a better finish to the season.

All swimmers had many events and their professionalism was outstanding.

The improvment in their turning and underwater work was evident short course and this is exciting going into the next season.

Please enjoy your well earned break over the next few weeks and I am so excited to be working with you next season...BRING IT ON!

A more comprehensive report to follow....

Molly Renshaw - COVER GIRL!

2011-07-19T11:21:00.005+01:00

Derventio eXcel's Molly Renshaw is featured on the Cover of the August Issue of Swimming Times magazine.

Molly who has recently won a Bronze medal at the European Junior Championships in Belgrade on the 200m Breaststroke flew straight out to Japan for a preparation camp leading up to the World Championships in Shanghai.

Molly is also featured in the magazine in an article tittled " Juniors today worlds tomorrow for 15 year old starlets". Molly is the youngest swimmer on the Great Britain senior team in China at only 2 15 years and 2 months old.

A Thankyou from the Adams'

2011-07-15T11:48:00.002+01:00

Katherine, Joanna and Olivia completed their last swim session last night and have left this message:

Thankyou so much for helping us these past couple of weeks with our swimming to prepare for when we go back to Australia.

You have a lovely squad and theyve been so welcoming towards us.

We wish them luck with nationals!

Thankyou again and if any of your team is coming to Sydney, we would be more than happy to have them.

From

Katherine, Olivia and Joanna

Molly Renshaw flies out to Japan!

2011-07-12T15:12:00.002+01:00

Deventio eXcel's Molly Renshaw fresh off her Bronze medal win at the European Junior Championships in Belgrade has flown out to Japan today for a preparation camp with the Great Britain Senior team. The team will then move onto Shanghai, China to compete in th World Championships.

Molly will compete in the 200m Breaststroke for Great Britain!

Check back here for more updates.

(Picture from http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/galleries)

HAWKSWORTH finishes 7th in Europe in first European Final!

2011-07-10T19:58:00.003+01:00

(picture courtesy of British Swimming Website)

(picture courtesy of European Junior Swimming Championships website)

Derventio eXcel's Jodie Hawksworth is 7th fastest swimmer in Europe when she swam to 7th place in the 100m Breaststroke final.

Jodie posted a lifetime best of 1.10.94 lowering her personal best time that she set in the semi-finals.

This is a great end to a great week for Derventio swimmers and Great Britain.

Great Britain were 1st in the medals table beating off Italy in second and Germany in 3rd and have their highest medal count ever in this competition.

Molly and Jodie's performances in the team have shown that they can progress and make finals with personal best times and win medals which is great experience and swimming.

Molly Renshaw will now fly out to Japan for a holding camp before going to China for the World Swimming Championships in Shanghai for Great Britain her first senior team swim.

Jodie will be back in training next week with the Youth National Championships begining on the 26th July and the World Junior Championships in August.

Jodie will be joined by her DX teammates who continue their preparations for the age and youth nationals starting on the 21st and 26th July, the senior swimmers are going to the Irish Nationals on the 20th July and Harry Webster for Great Britain in the European Youth Olympics.

This is a very busy but exciting time for Derventio.....

Well Done Molly and Jodie we are all very proud of you! Lets continue this awesome swimming for the next few weeks!

GOODALL takes Regional Open Water Title in first time race!

2011-07-10T19:33:00.006+01:00

Derventio eXcel's Ben Goodall won GOLD medals in the regional and county championships at Lake Bosworth today in the Open Water Competition.

Ben who is an England Talent Distance and Open Water athlete swam in his first ever open water competition today. The distance was 1500m, a race he normally relishes in the pool and under the very different and challenging conditions of the open water lake translated the pool success into the lake.

Ben was very pleased with his swim and really enjoyed the race, and is now looking to entering varying distances in the open water.

England Talent Open Water Coaches Alan Bircher and Andy Sharp also commented on the excellent job Ben did on his first outing showing both continued potential in the pool and future potential out of the pool.

Kathryn Roworth was the only other swimmer to race in the open water again in the 1500m. Kathryn was also on her first time out in Open Water and won a Silver medal in the County Championships.

WELL DONE BEN AND KATHRYN

Both swimmers and spectators had a great morning out and Ben and Kathryn look forward to entering more Open Water events.

Jodie Hawksworth makes European Junior Final!

2011-07-09T16:57:00.006+01:00

Jodie Hawksworth swam a lifetime best time to qualify for the final of the 100m Breaststroke in a new time of 1.11.12.

This will set her up for tomorrow's final where she will want to lower her best time further.

DAY 4 @ European Juniors 100m Breaststroke

2011-07-09T09:59:00.004+01:00

Jodie Hawksworth is through to the semi-final of the 100m Breaststroke qualifying in 8th fastest for tonight. She recorded a time of 1.11.98 which is less than a second off her best which she swam at the ASA Senior Nationals last month. Hawksworth will be looking to go a best time tonight to make the final.

Molly Renshaw, following on from her BRONZE medal swim last night, swam in the heats of the 100m Breaststroke and posted a time of 1.12.86 just .08 off her best time in the actual 100m event (her best 100m time being 1.11.40 in the split of the 200m last night). Molly finished in 16th place in the heats, but misses out on a semi-final spot on the 2 per nation rule.

Tune into watch Jodie's semi-final this afternoon on the European Juniors Swimming Website: http://www.belgrade2011.rs/

Or search "European Junior Swimming Championships Belgrade 2011"

and click on the "live" tab.

Jodie is scheduled to swim at 16.50pm British Time.

Molly Renshaw wins BRONZE MEDAL at European Junior Championships!

2011-07-09T09:44:00.002+01:00

Derventio eXcel's Molly Renshaw swam in the 200m Breaststroke final at the European Junior Championships in Belgrade tonight and won the BRONZE MEDAL.

Molly went out at 50m and 100m faster than she did last month at the ASA Senior National Championships when she posted her pb and qualified for the Senior World Championships in Shanghai in 3 weeks time, giving herself every chance of posting a best time, but was just short of her pb with a time of 2.28.68 seconds.

WELL DONE MOLLY!!!

Molly is featured on the British Swimming Website, and is quoted:

“I went out fast and started to tie up at the end, but I’m so happy to get a medal,” said Renshaw. “A PB would have been an added bonus but I’m still really happy with that swim."

For the full report: http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/news/swimming/double-gold-for-lloyd-in-belgrade/9931/

Derventio eXcel Head Coach Andi Manley has been in touch and said "Molly put her all into the race and went for it, she posted pb's at 50m and 100m, it was definatley the right race stratedgy for this race and will give her much experience for the future. It was a very proud moment for me to see her on the podium with the British flag being raised".

British Swimming's Development Coach Mark Perry also commented on her performance: “There was a great one-two in the 200m IM and the meet record from Lauren Quigley in the 50m back, beating the record set by her Manchester team mate Emma Saunders, and also Molly’s sterling performance in the breaststroke.”

After day 3 Molly's medal has helped Great Britain to top the medal table with 13 medals so far, ahead of Italy in second place.

Molly is back in action this morning with teammate Jodie Hawksworth in the 100m Breaststroke heats.

Great British European Youth Olympic Team unveiled!

2011-07-09T09:39:00.003+01:00

The Great British European Olympic Team has been unveiled yesterday.

Derventio eXcel's Harry Webster will compete for Great Britain in the 64 strong GB team in the swimming events in Turkey in 3 weeks time.

Please follow the link for the full report: http://www.olympics.org.uk/News/eb70b2-sixty-four-youth-selected-to-team-gb/

Molly Renshaw qualifies 3rd fastest for European Final!

2011-07-07T21:42:00.002+01:00

Molly Renshaw posted her second fastest time ever in the semi-finals of the 200m Breaststroke at the European Junior Championships in Belgrade.

Molly's time of 2.28.11 gives her a centre lane for the final which will be swum tomorrow afternoon.

The temperatures in Belgrade are soaring with temps of high 20's low 30's, set to increase for the weekend.

The atmosphere is electric and the crowds are packed.

Go get em Molly, all of Derventio is behind you!

Renshaw eases through to Semi-Finals on Day 2!

2011-07-07T09:52:00.007+01:00

Molly Renshaw pictured above and Jodie Hawksworth both swam in the heats of the 200m Breaststroke. Molly sailed through to the semi-finals in a comfortable 2.28.83 posted the third fastest swim for tonight and her second fastest time ever and Jodie swam in 2.37.45 and is the 17th fastest swim (18th overall) after entering this championship as the 26th fastest swimmer and is first reserve for tonights semi-finals and 5 seconds faster than at the British Championships in March.
The semi-finals will be swum this evening. Starting at 4pm GMT!

Jodie lowers best time in Semi-Final!

2011-07-06T20:50:00.003+01:00

Jodie Hawksworth pictured above lowered her personal best even more to finish 9th, narrowly missing out on the final by 0.02 of a second in a time of 32.79

Coming into the meet Jodie's pb was 33.90 and she was ranked 26th, she progressed through the heats in a time of 33.02 ranked 13th and went onto another personal best (32.79) finishing 9th overall.

Well Done Jodie!

GB won 2 medals today in the girls 800m Free (Bronze) and the 400m IM (Gold). This leaves GB 2nd in the medal table behind Italy.

Molly and Jodie both compete tomorrow in the 200m Breaststroke!

(picture courtesy of the Gallery on the European Junior Swimming Championships website)

Jodie and Molly off to great start in first swims for GB!

2011-07-06T08:54:00.008+01:00

Jodie Hawksworth and Molly Renshaw swam their first international swims for Great Britain this morning at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

Jodie Hawksworth was the first swimmer up for Great Britain in this competition and on her Internatioal debut showed she means business posting a personal best time of 33.25 in the heats of the 50m Breaststroke to qualify for tonights semi-final.

Molly Renshaw also on her debut swam her 400m Individual Medley also off to a flying start for the Derventio swimmers also posting a personal best time 4.53.99 to finish in 9th place overall (7th fastest with the 2 per nation rule!). Molly entered the championship in 10th position with a previous best of 4.55 in what has been considered a "fun" event for the Derventio star.

This is a great start to the competition, at International level it is all about getting out there and posting fast times in heat swims and the girls have done just that. The Finals and Semi-finals will be tonight at 17.00 hrs Serbian time which is 16.00 British time!

http://www.belgrade2011.org/

If you go to the competition website you can view the semi-finals and finals live (click on the picture on the right hand side "Live from Belgrade")

European Junior Championships 2011

2011-07-03T13:51:00.004+01:00

DX Head Coach Andi Manley and swimmers Jodie Hawksworth and Molly Renshaw are flying out to Belgrade today with the Great British team for the European Junior Swimming Championships which are held in Serbia starting on wednesday.

Please check back here for updates on the progress from Wednesday.

The Championships website is http://www.belgrade2011.org/

The start lists and results for the swimming are here: http://www.belgrade2011.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34&Itemid=26

On the first day of competition we have Jodie swimming in the 50m Breaststroke and Molly in the 400m I.M

Go get em and swim fast, we are all very proud here at Derventio!

2011-07-03T13:45:00.000+01:00

I have been asked to put this message on the blog from the Renshaws:

I would like to say a big thankyou from molly and myself to Kim for searching through photos to make such a memorable keepsake card , and to DX and the committee for the voucher, which I know she will enjoy spending !!!! Also thanks to everyone else at DX for their cards and messages of support. Molly on her way to airport now so fingers crossed and see you all in 6 weeks. Jane and molly

A big thank you from Jodie Hawksworth

2011-06-30T23:09:00.001+01:00

Jodie would like to thank everyone for her card and voucher, it meant a lot to her,

Thanks

World Championship Team Unveiled and Youth Team for Major Championship Announced!

2011-06-21T11:23:00.005+01:00

Please click on the links below to check out the news stories on the British Swimmng Wesite:

The Great Britain World Championship team has been unveiled including Derventio eXcel's Molly Renshaw

http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/news/swimming/british-swimming-unveils-world-championship-team/9711/

Great Britain Youth Team for the World Junior Championships has been announced including Derventio eXcel's Jodie Hawksworth:

http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/news/swimming/youth-team-for-major-championships-announced/9699/

Senior Nationals Day 4 - Steeps lowers 200m mark again!

2011-06-18T10:17:00.005+01:00

Chris Steeples has finished his Senior Nationals in fine form finishing 5th (4th fastest Brit) in the 200m Breaststroke final last night.

Steeps lowered his pb of 2.18.27 to 2.16.44 in the heats and again to 2.15.18 in the final. This has shown a great nationals for Chris in his first year as a fully-fledged senior swimmer, swimming to personal bests in all events.

At 18 years of age Chris is still a young gun of the swimming world, and his progress over the last couple of years has been a great development.

Well Done Steeps!

Senior Nationals Day 4 - Steeps knocks nearly 2 seconds off Personal Best to qualify for final

2011-06-17T15:10:00.003+01:00

Chris Steeples has qualified for tonights 200m Breaststroke final by smashing his personal best time to post a new personal best of 2.16.44.

James Lovatt and Kane Haggett were also in action this morning in the 50m Fly both just off their personal bests.

Chris will swim in the final tonight in the last session of the nationals.

Go get em Steeps!

Steeples wins Bronze as he smashes personal best time!

2011-06-16T21:21:00.002+01:00

Chris Steeples wins his first senior national medal with a class display of sprint breaststroke - claiming the Bronze with a lifetime best of 28.72.

Jodie Hawksworth swims faster in the final of the 100m Breaststroke (1:11.27) equalling her PB from 2009 but unfortunately moves from 2nd to 5th. This however, sets her up perfectly for a big summer of racing on the national and international stage.

Kane Haggett claims 6th in the 50m Freestyle final with a 23.21 - slightly slower than the heats this morning but again well under his previous best time. Check out a picture of the start of the 50m Freestyle featuring the Gold Cap of Kane Haggett: http://www.swimming.org/asa/galleries/view_image/british-gas-asa-national-championships-2011-day-three/9683/915

Zichen was the 4th DX swimmer in finals action tonight and moved from 8th to 7th place with another 57.3 sec effort in the 100m Backstroke.

Another fine day of fast swimming for DX!!!

ASA Senior National - Day 3 FINE FORM CONTINUES FOR DERVENTIO SWIMMERS!

2011-06-16T09:51:00.004+01:00

Day 3 of the ASA Senior Nationals and first up was 17 year old Emily Allsopp in the 200m Backstroke in a time of 2.20.58 just outside her pb, and with Emily not being rested for this event must give her great confidence going into the Youth Nationals in July.

Next was DX Club Captain and GB International Chris Steeples who continued his form with a blistering personal best time of 29.12 to qualify for tonights final where he will be looking to lower the time.

Kane Haggett the sprint king was in next and he also posted a personal best time of 23.14 seconds breaking the county record set by Ross Davenport of 23.35 set in 2008. Kane and olympian Ross have swam together on many occassions have huge respect for each other.

Next up was the girls in the 100m Breaststroke and GB international Jodie Hawksworth again not rested for this meet swam a blistering time of 1.11.39 seconds to qualify in second for tonights final.

Molly Renshaw also swam this event could not quite capture the form of her 200m in which she qualified for the World Championships last night and was off her personal best time by a second.

Last in this morning was the 100m Backstroke for men. Zichen Liu posted a personal best time of 57.34 to qualify for 8th place into tonights final. James Lovatt was just off his personal best time and Kane Haggett who had minutes earlier swam in the 50m Free was also off his personal best time.

SEE HIGHLIGHTS OF MOLLY'S RACE AND OTHER DAY 2 ACTION on Champs TV: http://www.swimming.org/asa/clubs-and-members/champs-tv/

There is an article in the Derby Evening Telegraph today (Thursday) with a spread on Mollys fantastic achievments and follows other highlights of the meet.

MOLLY RENSHAW BOOKS HER TICKET TO SHANGHAI!

2011-06-15T21:02:00.004+01:00

15 year old Derventio eXcel swimmer Molly Renshaw has booked her ticket on the plane to swim for Great Britain at the World Championships in Shanghai in July! Thats World Championships baby!

Molly swam in the final of the 200m Breaststroke tonight at the ASA Senior National Championships. She qualified with a new British and English Age Group record this morning.

In the final she swam personal best times at the 50m (34.39), 100m (1.11.48 her previous best being her 100m split from her 200m at the British Championships in March 2011 1.12.79) and smashed her own British and English Age Group records in a time of 2.27.67 to take the Silver medal 0.3 of a second behind the winner Stacey Tadd. Molly smashed the qualifying time for the World Championship team and at only just turned 15 in may she will be one of the youngest on the GB team.

Molly will be competing against the best Breaststrokers in history Amanda Beard from the USA and Leisel Jones from Australia and current World Record Holder Annamay Pierse from Canada.

This will be Molly's first Senior International Great Britain Team, Molly has also qualified for the European Junior Championships in July in Belgrade.

Well Done Molly all of DX are extremley proud and there was a 2.27.67 minute break in training tonight as the live results were being checked!

Molly's Interview is on the website here: "Molly Renshaw bursts into Senior Reckoning" http://www.swimming.org/asa/clubs-and-members/day-two/

To check the Results and to see videos which should be posted tomorrow check out the British Swimming Website:

http://www.swimming.org/asa/clubs-and-members/british-gas-asa-national-championships-2011/asa-nationals/9485/

Photo can be viewed here:

http://www.swimming.org/asa/galleries/view_gallery/british-gas-asa-national-championships-2011-day-two/967 8

The ASA Twitter feed is here: http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23asanationals

ASA Senior Nationals - Day 2 - HEATS! RENSHAW BREAKS BRITISH RECORD!

2011-06-15T12:35:00.000+01:00

Molly Renshaw set a new British Age Group Record (15 years) in the heats of the 200m Breaststroke with a superb time of 2:30.48 - just 0.03 off her PB from the British Championships in March. This has secured her Lane 5 for tonights final where she will again go head to head with leading British swimmers Stacey Tadd and Hannah Miley.

Zichen Liu took over a second off his 200m Back PB with a well paced swim of 2:04.35. However, this leaves him in 9th place and 1st reserve for the final so we will have to wait and see if he gets another opportuity to swim faster!

James Lovatt stormed to a seasons best 56.20 100m Fly - just running out of steam over the final 15m after splitting in a PB of 25.36 at 50m and an impressive 39.0 for 75m. More sessions training in the Fly lane will see this time drop down to a 54 in no time!!

Evie Keane in the 50m Backstroke swam to within 0.16 of her best time after touching home in 31.41 and 18th place

ASA Senior Nationals - Day 1 - FINALS!

2011-06-15T12:27:00.000+01:00

DX swimmers record a 6th, 7th and 8th place in the finals session on Day One of the ASA National Championships.

Chris Steeples stormed a new PB and County Record in the 100m Breaststroke final with a time of 1:02.70. This placed him 6th and in a field packed with senior international swimmers, was more great experience for the Derventio Mens Captain who will be looking to climb into the top 2 spots in the next few years to secure his place at a major international championship.

James Lovatt and Zichen Liu swam next to each other in Lanes 1 and 2 in the 50m Backstroke final and both swimmers again dipped under 27 secs with times of 26.83 and 26.92 to place them 7th and 8th.

Molly Renshaw breaks another BRITISH AGE GROUP RECORD!

2011-06-15T10:11:00.002+01:00

Molly Renshaw has just broken the British and English Age Group record in the 200m Breaststroke at the ASA Senior Nationals in the heats in a time of 2.30.48, suject to ratification.

This is a new record that Molly has broken for the 15 year old category having only turned 15 in may.

She has qualified in second place for the final.

More news from the Senior Nationals from last nights finals and this mornings heats to follow shortly....

ASA Senior Nationals - Day 1 - Heats

2011-06-14T14:24:00.000+01:00

5 swims from DX in the heats on the opening day of the Championships.

Sarah Vasey recorded a new personal best time of 33.96 in the 50m Breaststroke. This was a great performance and as the youngest competitior in this event came 15th and should be a great confidence boost leading into the National Youth's next month.

Chris Steeples showed his class in the 100m Breaststroke with a huge seasons best time of 1:02.93, just 0.05 off his PB. Qualifying in 5th place for the final, the DX mens captain will be looking to set a new lifetime best and possibly move up a place or two tonight. This was a well deserved return to form over 100m after the dissapointment of British Champs in March where Chris failed to make the Semi-Finals after badly misjudging his pace.

There will also be 2 DX swimmers in the final of the Mens 50m Backstroke after PB's from James and Zichen (26.8 and 26.9) booked their lanes for tonight. Kane also raced the 50m Back in a time of 27.96 which was just outside his PB.

All together - a fantastic start to meet.

British Gas ASA Senior National Championships 2011

2011-06-14T14:21:00.005+01:00

The British Gas ASA National Championships is taking place at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre from 14th - 17th June.

This meet is the final selection opportunity for this summer's World Championships in Shanghai as well as a chance for senior swimmers to gain selection for other international meets such as the World University Games and a GB Team to compete in Belguim in January.

DX have 9 swimmers competing at the championships; James, Chris, Zichen and Kane - who are "shaved and tapered" and looking for lifetime best performances and appearances in finals.

Joining them are Evie, Emily, Molly, Sarah and Jodie who are all training through the meet but are travelling up for 1 day each, using the competition as race experience at a senior level and fine tuning before the European Junior Championships and the National Youth Championships in July.

Updates will be posted here throughout the 4 days and you can check live results at:

http://www.swimmingresults.org.uk/swimming/results/2011/asa2011nat/index.php

Krissy Tomlinson wins Ilkeston Advertiser Young Sports Person of the Year Award.

2011-06-09T21:47:00.003+01:00

Derventio eXcel swimmer Krissy Tomlinson has won the Ilkeston advertiser Young Sports person of the year award 2011.

Krissy was shortlisted for the award and attended the ceremony last night where she was crowned the winner.

Krissy who is a member of DX is also a member of Ilkeston Swimming Club where she started swimming a few years ago. Krissy then got selected to the DXDS (Derventio eXcel Development Squad) in September 2010 and has gone from strength to strength and earnt her place in the main squad. Krissy is following in the footsteps of swimmers such as Livvi Sefton and Connor Smith who also started off at Ilkeston swimming club and got selected for Derventio. Both Connor and Livvi have gone on and continue to have great success, with both swimmers winning national medals and Livvi representing Great Britain at the 2008 European Junior Championships.

Krissy has had a number of successes toping the BAGCAT awards at the County championships, City of Derby Open meet and our own Derventio eXcel open meets over recent months. She is also currently competing in her second regional championships in which she has already won a bronze medal in the 100m Backstroke.

Most importantly she has worked hard improving her techniques and training ability.

Well Done Krissy

Olympic Games 2012 British Swimming Long List

2011-06-08T18:56:00.001+01:00

Chris Steeples and Molly Renshaw have gained a place on the British Swimming Long List of athletes who have been identified as having the ability to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

They are both now part of a process that will culminate in the final nomination of the Olympic team to the British Olympic Association in June 2012.

In the meantime there will be activities, events and regular bulletins that they will receive as part of the process of selecting the British team for London 2012.

For those of you in the squad with Olympic aspirations for 2012, this in no way means you are ruled out for selection. Ultimately, the Olympic team will be selected from the Trials in March next year.

However, we are very proud at Derventio of Molly and Chris whose performances this season have highlighted their potential and ability to qualify for the Olympic Games.

We wish them and every DX swimmer good luck in their preparations for the Olympic Trials next year.

Letter from Sasha Wisdish

2011-06-08T12:01:00.003+01:00

Dear Andi, Kim, Keith and members of the committee,

"Since joining DX at the age of 10, Ive had an amazing time being part of DX. It really has been like my other family with its supportive and team-like spirit.

As part of the team, ive had the chance to compete at all levels including nationals, and I'm really proud of the success I have achieved. I have many memories to take away from here, from all the over seas swim camps, the competitions and every day training.

Ive learnt a lot from being in Derventio, what it is like being dedicated, and committed and how to achieve the best of yourself, but I couldnt have done it without the help I had. I really want to say a big thankyou to Andi, Kim and Keith for being amazing coaches, and for always being there for me, I really appreciate it.

Also a big thankyou to everyone who kept and are keeping Derventio running behind the scenes. Derventio is a special place to train, its a small squad but it achieves so much, thanks to the 100% commitment of the coaches and committee, and the supportive atmosphere created by the swimmers. Im really going to miss being a part of it, but I wish all the success to everyone, especially the new younger swimmers who are starting their journey I am about to finish.

I am still going to train and will be back with my home club Derby Phoenix as I hope to continue training through my University life and further into the future so I can look forward to seeing swimmers achieve their potential and compete on the national/international stage. So thankyou again for everything. Derventio's been a huge part of my life and I hope it stays or gets even more successful.

Best Wishes

Sasha Wisdish

On behalf of everyone at Derventio eXcel in particular myself, Andi and Keith can I publicly say that it has been a privelage to work with such a hard working, committed, and lovely young person and we all wish you and your family the best for everything you choose to do!

Also a big thankyou to Alan Wiisdish for all he has done over the last 7 years behind the scenes.

Marshall, Black, Smith and Lovatt add more National Qualifying times!

2011-06-08T11:37:00.003+01:00

At the recent No Frills meet at Ponds Forge (sorry for the lateness in the blog), 3 Derventio eXcel Swimmmers added more national times to the tally.

FRANCES MARSHALL qualified in the 50m and 100m Freestyle making it 22 DX swimmers at Nationals this year so far....

Tyler-Ann Black added the 100m freestyle to the 50m Freestyle.

CONNOR SMITH added the 100m Freestyle to his other qualifying times.

JAMES LOVATT added the 100m Freestyle to his other Senior National Qualifying times.

Well Don Guys!

Alan Wisdish

2011-06-03T11:30:00.003+01:00

Dear All,

As you are all aware, Sasha Wisdish "retired" from DX at the end of May having made the decision that she no longer wished to continue swimming at performance level. Sasha will continue to train with her home club Derby Phoenix, and everyone at Derventio eXcel wishes her the best for the future.

Sasha's retirement coincides with that of her father Alan.

Alan Wisdish has been a resolute parent member of DX for a considerable period of time and on behalf of the DX committee, swimmers and parents I wish to thank him for all the hard work, considerable time and effort he has contributed towards the running of DX during his association with the squad.

Amongst other things, Alan has been in charge of the DX newsletter, 200 Club and for ensuring communications are delivered via email on DX info.

Enjoy you lie ins Alan, once your body clock adjusts!!!!