REDDITCH Swimming Club prospect Amelia Rodd led the West Midlands charge at the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) National Open Water Festival at Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire.
Although still very much a novice in open water swimming, 14-year-old Rodd had qualified to compete in the 1.5km race at the National Age Group Open Water Championships thanks to her previous success in the regional championships.
Lining up against the very best open water swimmers in Britain, Rodd completed the race in a time of 19:19.84 to finish in a remarkable sixth place in her age group, just a few seconds outside the medals.
She was also the leading swimmer from the West Midlands.
Chris Britt, Rodd’s coach at Redditch SC, said: “This was a remarkable achievement by Amelia, competing at her first Nationals and swimming in only her second major open water event.
“Her excellent result here demonstrates the great form she is in and should give Amelia confidence for her forthcoming swims at the ASA English Summer Nationals in Sheffield.”
For more information about Redditch Swimming Club, or to arrange a possible trial session, contact Britt by e-mail at [email protected].