A COACH has tipped his swimmers to challenge for medals in the future following a promising showing at the Swim England National Open Water Festival.

Dan Goodwin said that Winsford Swim Team's six-strong contingent had gathered valuable experience from competing at Rother Valley Country Park.

"It's a huge thrill to race with no lane ropes or chlorine and to be close to nature," he said.

"I'm sure all of our swimmers will be inspired to try and qualify again and perhaps others will be tempted; distance swimming is crucial for long-term success both in the pool and in open water."

Henry Oliver was fifth in the under 16s boys' race over 5km despite feeling ill on the second lap.

Meanwhile Alex Moss represented Winsford in the under 18s boys' age-group, in which he was younger than almost all of his rivals, and battled windy conditions to classify inside the top 30.

Goodwin said: "For Alex, just to qualify was a brilliant achievement in itself and next year he can aim higher in the same category."

Two swimmers, Lewis Turner and Abigail George, made their debut at the annual event.

The former, who had raced only once previously in open water, was rewarded for a strong start when he finished ninth in the under 12s boys' race over 2km.

George paced herself over 3km in the under 15s girls' race, and emerged with a huge smile afterwards.

Winsford's entry was completed by Rory Armitt and Oscar Jolliffe, who both took part in the under 14s boys' race, ranking 20th and 26th position respectively.

"This was their third attempt, and both are now experienced open water swimmers," added Goodwin.

"Both of them gave their all in a strong field, and in conditions that grew more difficult when the wind picked up speed."

Results (selected)

Swim England National Open Water Festival

At Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield

2km Age Group Championships

Under 12s boys: 9. Lewis Turner 32:14

3km Age Group Championships

Under 14s boys: 20. Rory Armitt 41:39; 26. Oscar Jolliffe 43:20

Under 15s girls: 28. Abigail George 53:54

5km Age Group Championships

Under 16s boys: 5. Henry Oliver 1:05.28

Under 18s boys: 28. Alex Moss 1:11.15