[by Graeme Thomas]
While many Reading swimmers were racing in Oxford's, a handful from the club’s top squad attended the Grand Prix at Bath University.
Not as well attended as in previous years, the meet was somewhat lacking in depth of field and atmosphere. However, it was a good opportunity to race in an Olympic- sized pool, with a number of Reading swimmers performing admirably.
Callum Willcox swam a superb 100m breaststroke in Saturday's final, a lifetime best by four seconds in 1.18.76 and within striking distance of a coveted national qualifying time for the event.
Callum is better known for his performances over 200 metres, and this speed at the shorter distance bodes well for improvements in the longer event as well -.an exciting prospect for the 2006 national finalist.
York Kloeppel also had a good 100 breast, an improvement over his recent effort at Stockport, and a 1.12.23 PB won silver medal in his final.
Kristina Paige was in fine sprinting form and won her year's 50m freestyle in a blistering 28.48, and as a bonus this secured her first national time of the season.
Naomi Herring also swam well in the shorter events. A cracking 100 backstroke broke the1.10 barrier for the first time, and her 50 free was within a whisker of her best.
Chris Boyce put in several some solid PB times, all the more impressive as he returned to training after illness days before the meet. A real testament to Chris’s toughness and determination.
Swimmers were back in the pool on Monday morning, training hard for what will be the biggest challenge of the season to date, January's Welsh Dragon meet in Swansea.
In the meantime, both Reading's Speedo League teams will be in action on Saturday, the As at Maidenhead and the Bs at Waterlooville.