Many congratulations to talented swimmer, Charlie Duce (Year 7), who has qualified for Swim England's East Region Festival of Swimming Championships taking place at the London Aquatic Centre in August.

The event is intended to be a fun and COVID-safe opportunity for the stars of tomorrow to come together and race perhaps for the first time after a significant period of disruption. Charlie has secured regional qualifying times in the 50m backstroke, the 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke, the 200m freestyle and the 200m backstroke events.

Charlie reflected on her selection: "My goal this year was to get County qualifying times in the backstroke and freestyle events, but I have surpassed my goal to get regional qualifying times.

“With the pools being closed for so long due to COVID I never thought that would be achievable, but I love competing and my hard work and determination has paid off. I even took another seven seconds off my 200m backstroke time last Saturday during time trials. This girl (definitely) can!”

Charlie has been competing for Modernian Swimming Club throughout May and June and in the age 12 category she is currently ranked in the top three swimmers in Beds County for the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke and 200m freestyle. We wish her all the best in her promising swimming career.