A total of 26 swimmers representing the county’s Swim Gwynedd squad recently took part in the Swim Wales long course championships held in Swansea, the hardest event to qualify for in Wales.

 All swimmers did Gwynedd proud both in individual events and relays. Most swimmers who competed improved on their personal best times in the gala and are now in the top ten fastest swimmers in Wales. All in all they came away with seven gold medals – all achieved by Medi Harris, from Borth y Gest, as well as a further 16 silver and 10 bronze medals for the squad members.

 Gwynedd’s girls beat the likes of Swansea and Cardiff in the relay events and were the fastest from all the north Wales teams. In one final, the 50 fly for girls aged 15 and 16, Swim Gwynedd had four of the eight finalists.

 Five of the swimmers managed to get times that currently allow them to compete in the British Championships in July, where only the 24 fastest swimmers in the UK are invited to attend, with other swimmers very close to the required times.

Swim Gwynedd’s Mari Davies who is from Caernarfon is currently in the Welsh national squad, two other swimmers are in both the youth squad and national skills academy, with at least 2 more well on the way to achieving National Skills Academy status this coming September.

 Bron Hill, head coach for Swim Gwynedd said: “The swimmers deserve recognition for their achievements, the results each one of them achieved is due to the dedication and sacrifices they make, training up to 16 hours per week, getting up as early as 5am to swim for an hour and a half before school and for two hours after school.

 “Swim Gwynedd would also like to thank Gwynedd Council for their continued support that has allowed the swimmers to achieve so much.”

 Swim Gwynedd brings together the best of the county’s youth swimmers, with young people from across the county training to develop their ability so that they can compete at the highest possible level.

 For more information about swimming in Gwynedd visit the Council website or contact your local Gwynedd Council leisure centre: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/leisure