CLOCK-WATCHING York City Baths Club swimmers impressed with a host of National Qualifying Times at the prestigious ASA Zonal Meet in Sheffield.

Some of the leading swimmers from across the North of England competed at the gala at Ponds Forge – and there was success for York City despite the dominance of the North West region.

There was a bronze medal for 12-year-old Lucy Nicholson in the 14 years and under 800 metres freestyle, but more importantly she shattered her previous best to gain a National Qualifying Time (NQT).

Nicholson also made the most of her promotion to the same age group final for the 400m freestyle, where she also gained an NQT.

Katarina Bonner, 13, was also in fabulous form as both of her swims in the 14 years and under finals for 100m and 200m backstroke resulted in her first-ever NQTs.

James Wilby was the other York City Baths Club medallist, winning silvers in the 50m – in his first sub-30 second swim at 29.89 seconds – and 100m breaststroke events as well as gaining a fourth-place finish in the 200m breaststroke.

Wilby also lowered his PB in the 100m butterfly to 59.99 seconds.

Annie Johnston, meanwhile, gained her International Qualifying Times in the 50m and 200m breaststroke and edged nearer to a sub 30-second length for the butterfly, clocking 30.05 seconds.

In a total of 49 swims, which included 16 finals, the club’s squad of nine swimmers registered 24 personal best times.

Nicholson achieved six PBs from her eight swims, Bonner a straight six from six, and Alistair Mitchell also registered improvements in each of his three swims.

While Carrie Suddes, Freya Beck and Sam Rainton missed out this time, Ellen Suddes delivered a fine personal performance in the 100m breaststroke.

A club spokesman said: “It was deserved recognition for all our swimmers who qualified for this zonal meet, but it will always be remembered for the wonderful performances of Kat and Lucy.”

• Further information about York City Baths Club is available by visiting www.yorkcitybathsclub.org.uk