Two talented swimmers from Tiverton shared a pool with World and Olympic champions such as Adam Peaty, James Wilbey and Tom Dean this April, as Jodie and Gemma Dilks from Tiverton travelled to Sheffield to swim in the British Swimming Championships at the Ponds Forge International pool.

Recipients of a Trust grant in 2021, Jodie and Gemma qualified to race in 6 events each at the Championships - Gemma in the 200m & 400m Individual Medley, 50m and 200m Breaststroke, and 800m and 1500m Freestyle. Jodie raced in the 200m & 400m Individual Medley, 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke and 50m fly.

New personal best

Gemma set a new personal best in the 400 IM (Individual Medley) and also had a great race in the 200m Breaststroke. Jodie raced in the 400 IM, 50 breaststroke and in the 200m Breaststroke heats she raced fast enough to qualify for the Junior final later in the evening, where she placed in 7th place- a fantastic result.

It was a big achievement to qualify to race at the British Championships, and travel to Sheffield to race amongst Olympic swimmers (Jodie was warming up in the same lane as double Olympic 100m breaststroke champion Adam Peaty). Many elite swimmers were aiming to qualify for selection at the Commonwealth games to be held in Birmingham in July.

The girls returned from Sheffield to attend their 45mile team Ten Tors training weekend. 

The Chairman of Tiverton Swimming Club, and proud mum of the two girls, Sara Dilks gave her thanks to the Trust, saying "Many thanks for supporting the girls - it is fab!"

More information on Tiverton Swimming Club can be found at http://www.tiverton-swimming.co.uk