BICESTER Blue Fins enjoyed a weekend to remember when they hosted a short course invitational meet for the first time.

Their swimmers competed in 40 events with teams from Banbury and Kidlington & Gosford spread over two days.

Head coach Craig Oliver, paid tribute to the whole club for seeing a long-held aim come to fruition.

He said “It’s not just our athletes who did us proud, but the team of volunteers behind this event who made it all happen.

“We had a huge number of swimmers competing together seamlessly.

“For Bicester Blue Fins to host an invitational meet was a huge milestone, as it has been a goal for some time.”

The event featured a wide variety of ages, from six-year-olds getting a first taste of competition to masters swimmers in their 40s.

And the host team enjoyed plenty of success.

Tia Faulkner, 14, scooped an impressive 11 golds to finish as the Blue Fins’ top performer.

Grace Bradney, 13, was only one behind, while for the boys Joshua Best also ended up with ten victories.

Hannah Mansfield, who has been involved with the club for 14 years from a young swimmer to the masters squad, volunteered as an official.

She said: “This is a rare opportunity for our young members to see our top swimmers compete which is very inspiring. They get to realise what their potential could be.

“The 25m races give our young athletes a glimpse into Club life, and the early race experience gives them the drive to continue because of the incredible atmosphere.”

OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Girls: Courtney Best (aged 20) 9 golds, Shana Soleil-Arnephy (15) 8, Holly Mclellan (11) 7, Sam Usher (46) 7, Rachel Lawrence (16) 6, Eleanor Iles (10) 6.

Boys: Joshua Scrivener (9) 8 golds, Tom Henley (12) 7, Ryan McKenzie (16) 6, Luca Soleil-Arnephy (16) 6.