A HAUL of 32 age group medals was garnered by York City Baths Club swimmers at the SportsAid Open Gala in Leeds.

A squad of 39 swimmers, aged ten and over, turned in some superb performances in the Unison- sponsored competition at the the John Charles Aquatics Centre.

There were 74 personal best times registered from 142 swims by the York contingent.

Their 32 age group medals included 15 golds, ten silver and seven bronze. They also bagged a further 32 top ten finishes.

The most consistent performance came from James Wilby with personal bests in each of his seven swims, gaining two gold medals and one silver, plus a further three top ten finishes.

A clean sweep of personal bests were also recorded by Joe Brennan (four swims), Drew Langan (three swims), Caolan Smart (three swims), Ben Nicholson (two swims) and Ben Barber (two swims).

Simon Duston won a gold medal, a silver and a bronze, plus two further top ten places from his five swims.

For the girls, Molly Peterson registered seven personal bests out of her eight swims, while Bianca Dutton (four swims), Carrie Suddes (four swims) and Georgia Pipes (three swims) achieved personal bests in all their swims.

Freya Beck emulated Duston, gaining three gold, three silver and one bronze medal. She also had a top ten finish in the other one of her eight swims.

In addition to Wilby, Duston and Back, other age group winners were Sarah Lambert (2), Carrie Suddes, Annie Johnston, Sam Rainton (2), Bradley Swainston (2) and Andy Burns.

The gala was the last chance for swimmers to achieve the qualifying times for the upcoming North East Regional Championships.

That mark was reached by Katarina Bonner, Molly Peterson, Olivia Garnett, Alistair Browne and Conor Hargreaves.

Dawn Martland, York City Baths Club head coach, said: “I am pleased to report that one of the meet officials made a particular point of mentioning the exemplary conduct and behaviour of our swimmer Sam Rainton.

“So, for being not only a winner, but also a credit to himself and the club, a big thank you goes to Sam.”

The aim of the SportAid Open Gala is to highlight the great support that SportsAid gives to talented young sports people in the region, as well as raising essential funds for the cause.

Further information about York City Baths Club is available by visiting www.ycbc.org.uk Anyone interested in swimming with the club should email ycbc.enquiries@googlemail.com