Newbury swimmer storms to south east region victory and now prepares for Euro competition

A Newbury swimmer has been selected to represent the region in a European meet next year.

Kaleb Fox-Jones was one of five swimmers from Newbury District Swimming Club to qualify for the Winter Regional Championships in Winchester.

He qualified in both the 100m backstroke and the 100m freestyle events at the meet, which is an open gala for those aged 15 and over.

A personal best in the 100m freestyle of 50.25 seconds saw him take the title and with it secure selection for the Southeast Region team at the Luxembourg Euro Meet in January.

Head coach, Emma Harris Commissar, said: “The 100m Free was where we really saw him take ownership of that pool.

“He went out strong and came back even stronger. He won the event, which has resulted in him being selected to represent the Southeast Region at the Luxembourg Euro Meet in January.

“This is a real achievement and I’m so pleased and proud of him being able to attend the meet with the best of the best.

“I’ve swam there myself and it’s a huge pool and great atmosphere, he’ll have a great experience, I’m sure.”

His clubmates Eloise Wade, Abbie Holland, Livi Bevan and Georgia Humphreys, also all qualified for the Winchester regional competition.

“We had some great swims and results from these swimmers, especially considering two were not feeling 100 per cent during training the week before,” added Mrs Harris Commissar.

Eloise secured personal bests in all three of her breaststroke events - 33.52 seconds in the 50m, 1.14.23 in the 100m and 2.47.50 in the 200m.

Abbie finished the 200m butterfly in a time of 2.27.30, with Livi clocking 28.37 seconds in the 50m freestyle and Georgia swimming the 200m backstroke in 2.34.17.

Well done to all of them and good luck in Luxembourg Kaleb.