Swimming star Leah Altoft ready to splash and dash at nationals

CLEETHORPES and Scunthorpe Aquatics swimming star Leah Altoft has qualified for a prestigious national championship in eight different events.

Seven swimmers from the club demonstrated their growing reputation in the water by booking swims in a total of 20 events at the British Gas ASA National Age Group and Youth Championships, which is currently taking place at Sheffield's Ponds Forge international Sports Centre.

23rd July 2010 sports Photo by Abby Ruston Seven members of Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe Aquatics (CASA) have qualified for the ASA National Age Group and Youth Championships this year. Thomas Paine in action.
23rd July 2010 sports Photo by Abby Ruston Seven members of Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe Aquatics (CASA) have qualified for the ASA National Age Group and Youth Championships this year. From left: Oliver Webster, Callum Gladding, Thomas Paine, Samuel Legge, Leah Altoft, Jack Newton, Coach Paul W
23rd July 2010 sports Photo by Abby Ruston Seven members of Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe Aquatics (CASA) have qualified for the ASA National Age Group and Youth Championships this year. From left: Oliver Webster, Callum Gladding, Thomas Paine, Samuel Legge, Leah Altoft, Jack Newton, Coach Paul Woodley and Maisie Legge.
ALL-GOOD: Leah Altoft (main) is one of seven Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe Aquatics (CASA) swimmers who have qualified for the ASA National Age Group and Youth Championships. Bottom left, Thomas Paine in action. Below, the seven successful swimmers, left to right: Oliver Webster, Callum Gladding, Paine, Samuel Legge, Altoft, Jack Newton, coach Paul Woodley and Maisie Legge. Pictures: Abby Ruston

Altoft, a year 10 pupil at Caistor Grammar School, qualified in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, the 100m butterfly, the 200m and 400m individual medley, and the 100m and 200m backstroke.

Callum Gladding, a year eight pupil at King Edward School, Louth, qualified in the 200m butterfly, as well as the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events.

Maisie Legge, a year eight pupil at Humberston Comprehensive, met the qualification times in the 800m and 1500m freestyle.

Samuel Legge, a year six pupil at Signhills, will compete in the 400m individual medley.

Jack Newton, a year seven pupil at Queen Elizabeth High School, Gainsborough, will take part in the 100m and 200m butterfly events.

Thomas Paine, a year 11 pupil at Caistor Grammar School, qualified in the 400m individual medley and 800m freestyle.

And Oliver Webster, a year eight pupil at the Tollbar BEC, will represent CASA in the 400m Individual Medley.

The National Championships represent the pinnacle of competitive swimming for the younger swimmers, with the qualifying times extremely difficult to achieve.

If CASA's swimmers perform well at the event they could be offered opportunities to train at national swimming camps and be selected to compete for their country.

The ASA National Age Group Championships take place until Sunday before the Youth event lasts from Tuesday to Saturday, August 7.

The Age Group Championships are for girls aged 11–13 years and boys aged 11–14 years, with the Youth event for girls aged 14–17 years and boys aged 14–18 years.

Cleethorpes and District Swimming Club/CASA welcomes swimmers of all abilities and offer learn-to-swim lessons through to top-level competition training. For more information or a no-obligation trial, contact chief coach Paul Woodley on 07758 876295 or visit the club's website: www.cadsclub.co.uk.