Girls scoop gold medal in national event

Cranleigh girls’ scooped a gold medal in the 4x50 freestyle relay event at the Bath Cup National Swimming Championships, beating over 100 other schools in the final, at the London Aquatic Centre. The girls 4 x 50 medley relay came 2nd in their event, and the boys’ teams finished 7th.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Apr 2015, 12:37 BST

Swimming Coach, Mr Will Philpot, said: “I’m so proud of them all. The hard work, early mornings and the dedication these swimmers have shown has finally paid off.

“It’s been a long road with lots of ups and downs, but I’m so happy they are reaping the benefits.

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“The girls, Emma Grainger, Tash Gerrard, Jess Brooke and PJ Cunningham, went up for the final knowing Lancing were going to be close on their heels, but after a solid start from Emma, Tash getting Cranleigh into 1st, Jess Brooke creating space, allowed PJ to bring the team home in 1st place winning the gold medal and claiming the Aldenham Cup championship.”

In the boys’ event a last minute sickness from Captain Ollie Taylor meant a quick team change. Fourth former Joe Fulton took Ollie’s place in the 4x100 freestyle relay and, along with Rafe Scott, Tom Berry and Angus Burns, produced an outstanding performance beating the time posted last year by an exceptional Cranleigh team.

The Bath Cup is the largest independent school event in the UK, with over 100 schools competing in two events: for the girls, the 4x50 freestyle relay and the 4x50 medley relay; boys had the 4x100 freestyle relay to tackle and the 4x50 medley relay.

“We were competing against much larger schools. Cranleigh is fortunate to have such a young team who can do so much in the coming years, we’re only going to get better as time goes on”, added Mr Philpot.

Report and picture contributed by Cranleigh School.

Related topics:Lancing