London Team

Camden swimmers perform well in Geneva

Posted: Thursday 28th January 2010

Dave Hobbs Camden Swiss Cottage Swimming Club’s Head Coach led the London Region ASA team to victory in Geneva.

Winning 22 golds and taking the top points award in the Geneva International Long Course Meet. A team of 21 London swimmers travelled to Geneva to compete against many European clubs and Federations.

The team was drawn from clubs across the region and Camden Swiss Cottage provided the largest contingent. Six Camden swimmers were selected: Bogac Ayhan (16), Alex Mackay (17), Harry Needs (17), Felix Samuels (16), Reut Benaim (15) and Devon Robbins (16). The selection criteria was tough, all swimmers were ranked in the National top 7 at the end of last year in their respective age groups. All of the swimmers reached the finals of their events during the 3 day event.

Harry Needs (17) from Camden had an outstanding meet finishing on top of the podium in the 200m individual medley (2.13.13) and the 100m butterfly (5.27). Devon Robbins (16), Reut Benaim (15) and Alex Mackay (1) also added to the teams medal haul. Devon picked up a silver in the 400m freestyle (4.25.96) and a bronze in the 100m butterfly (1.03.76), Reut a silver I the 200m butterfly (2.29.74) as did Alex in the 400m freestyle (4.11.34).

Dave Hobbs commented that, “this was a chance for our swimmers to compete on an international stage against some of Europe’s best swimmers and considering where most of the swimmers are in their training cycle and this was the first long course meet without the super fast suits I feel sure all the swimmers will feel the meet was very worthwhile and a springboard for the rest of the season.”

***