JAY Cushen is the second Winsford Swim Team member to win a gold medal at the North West Summer Championships.

The 14-year-old was fastest in his age category during heats for the 50m butterfly, and he stayed out in front of his rivals when timing 28.26s to win the final.

He completed a remarkable weekend in Manchester Aquatic Centre by taking silver in the 200m breaststroke, clocking 2.38.19, and then bronze in the 400m individual medley.

That helped raise his club’s overall medal tally to 19 after nine sessions, spread over three weekends, of competition.

 

 

“All of our swimmers stepped up to the plate,” said head coach Dan Goodwin.

“The results are proof of that; it shows we’re continuing to produce and nurture skilled, technical swimmers with a first-class attitude and commitment to the sport.”

Lottie Howman, already a medal-winner in the under 13s girls’ 800m freestyle, added two more to her collection.

She took bronze in the 200m freestyle, then improved to claim silver for the same stroke over 400m.

Izzy Kay, also representing Winsford, was fourth in the same category.

Abbie Christopherson set the standard during the under 14s girls’ 200m butterfly, setting the fastest time, and went on to finish as runner-up in the final by the narrowest of margins – less than four tenths of a second separated her from the victor.

Rory Armitt also saved his best appearance for the championships until Saturday, classifying sixth in the under 13s boys’ 400m freestyle.

Winsford’s medals were shared between eight swimmers, while 19 made finals.

They racked up 68 top-eight finishes between them.

Goodwin said: “For so many to rank inside the first eight is very impressive because our region is without doubt one of the strongest in England.

“Look at the population size covered by Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cumbria!

“We’re a force in the North West, and we’re still punching above our weight.

“The nine sessions were exciting in more ways than one, but every swimmer gave their all no matter where they finished.”