Megan George, Harvey Bossom, Maya Griffiths, Ollie Mew, and Luke Jermy

Our 2 swimmers’ first competition swim at Dorney Lake was truly successful.

Danny and Olly did Barramundi proud with their great results today (August 21st) at Dorney Lake, Windsor.

Danny Amphlett(13yrs) and Olly Ripley (12yrs) were the youngest in a field of 220 swimmers.

In the  1500m race – Junior section,  Danny came FIRST (time: 20mins and 7 seconds) and Olly came FOURTH (time: 21mins and 51seconds)

Overall, Danny came 5th and Olly, the youngest in the field, came 12th.

Good swimming, boys!

Any Barramundi girls going to have a go?

CLICK HERE    for more info.

For the last month Olly and I have been travelling to the lake at the

Copthorne Hotel near Theale to train for the Dorney Lake swim which

is taking place on 21st August.

When we got to the lake it was quite busy but it was a hot sunny

morning so we weren't surprised.

We got there at 8.00am and were met by Irena (though she couldn't

come in with us as she had to teach)and also an instructor was

going to meet us to show us the ropes.

The Club opens on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 8.00am and

10.00am and you pay £5.00 for a swim and you can stay in as long

as you like. You can just swim up and down or around the circuit -

whatever suits.

Olly and I got changed into our swim shorts.  Most others were

wearing wetsuits and soon it became apparent why!! After dangling

our feet in the water for a few minutes we decided to take the plunge

and get in.  We were going to attempt twice round the lake - its 750m

around if you keep to the circuit. There are red and green bouys for

the 1500m circuit which we were going to be doing and you need to keep

in between the two - easier said than done I have to say! To stay in

between the markers you swim with your head out of the water alot - which

was quite easy for me as I had cricked my neck the day before so it

wouldn't actually move left or right - much to the amusement of the

staff on the jetty!!!

I have to say that because it was such a hot morning the lake seemed

very cold - so we did actually swim round quite fast.  We were joined

by the instructor who taught us how to focus on markers so we

didn't end up in the bushes and also how to start in a race as its

a bit of a free for all apparently!   After about 45 minutes we got

out and it was freezing, I didn't think I would ever be warm again

but a Macdonalds breakfast and Hot Chocolate soon put that right!!!

On the last Thursday of every month there is a "mass start" which

takes place at 6.45. All the swimmers line up and set off together.

As you can imagine there are swimmers swimming under you and over you.

You can get kicked and knocked so it pays either be at the front and

fast or go at the back or sides!!!  Olly and I choose front and fast

and just hoped that as we were young they would take pity on us -

but noooooo!!!!

We have been back since and it didn't seem as cold the next time -

I think it was because we knew what to expect.  We have also both

bought wetsuits which keep you warmer too as we will need these to swim

at Dorney Lake, though if Iryna gets her way we will soon be back

in without them!!

We will let you know how we got on in the race!!!

PROTEIN MILKSHAKE RECIPE

Alex Murphy competed at the ASA National Youth Championships 3rd -- 7th August in Pond’s Forge, Sheffield. In both the 200 and 100 breaststroke he represented the Barramundis superbly.

In his 100 breaststroke he made it through to the Semi Finals with a personal best of  1.07.67. This a new County Jnr Record (long course) and a new South East Regional Record (15yrs age group)

His 200 brst time was 2.35.25

SWINDON DOLPHINS END OF SEASON MEET

GOLD

Shannon Motha (11) 400m IM, 100m Fly & 50m Free

Oliver Ripley (11) 400m IM & 200m Fly

Daniel Amphlett (13) 400m IM & 50m Free

Ewan Springett (10) 50m Back & 50m Free

Daniella Springett (12) 200m Breast & 100m Breast

SILVER

Christopher Motha (9) 50m Back

Mollie Boyce (12) 200m Breast & 100m IM

Ryland Hale (12) 50m Back

Daniel Amphlett (13) 200m Breast & 50m Free

Ewan Springett (10) 50m Fly

BRONZE

Daniella Springett (12) 400m IM

Ewan Springett (10) 200m Free

Daniel Amphlett (13) 200m Free

Aoife Kelly (11) 200m Breast & 100m Fly

Christopher Motha (9) 50m Free

Matthew Taylor (11) 200m IM

Thanks to all for sharing good food and entertainment for the sunny afternoon in Upton.

Thanks mainly to the committte members, Karen, Sharon, Marion, Mandy, Deanna, for helping out, and particularly Lesley for coordinating it.

Thanks too, to Andrew of DIDCOT CALOR and PAVING for the loan of the big BBQ. Tony for the little BBQ. Derek for collecting big BBQ, music and Gazebo. Mark for another gazebo! Leily for the games.

Thanks to those who helped set up and those who stayed to clear up.

Ideas for next years always welcome!!

Aoife Kelly, Christopher Motha, Danny Amphlett, Daniella Springett, Ewan Springett, James Kelly, Laura Mitchel, Matthew Taylor, Max Underwood, Mollie Boyce, Olly Ripley, Ryland Hale, Shannon Motha.