Ashton Swimming Academy on a roll

The newly established Ashton Swimming Academy did their coaches proud when the swimmers competed at level three, two and one nationals.

Seven swimmers were rewarded with 26 medals, with 11-year-old Zoe Frank clinching three gold medals and 12-year-old Dylan Somerville taking two bronze at the prestigious level three nationals held in Cape Town.

Also at level three, fourteen-year-old Dylan Cox finished fifth in the gruelling 500m freestyle event, placing him firmly on the SA rankings.

Trent Strydom won a gold and a silver at level two. Kayler Hulett (1 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze), Shayna Rankin (silver), Travis Strydom (1 gold, 2 bronze) and Sarah Brand (5 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) taking the Level 1 medal count to 17.

Gold was not enough for young Zoë Frank – she broke two existing SA age group records at the very competitive level three national, taking her personal tally of SA records to seven. This week, Swim South Africa confirmed that Zoë Frank has been included in the team who will be participating in galas and a training camp in Pescara, Italy in June.

“We are extremely proud of the achievements of this young club and Ashton Swimming Academy certainly made their mark at the nationals. We congratulate all our swimmers and our head coach Garry Jackson and assistant coaches on an outstanding season, and look forward to the full 2014/15 season, including some exciting developments that will be shared once finalised,” said Ashton executive head Joe Erasmus.

Zoë and her parents Zrinka and Stan were elated when they received the news of her inclusion in the team following her outstanding results at the level three nationals held in Cape Town.

“We are absolutely delighted with the news, and this is a unique opportunity for her as she only turned 12 in April. This does mean that the holiday will be shorter as the coaches will prepare Zoë for these galas.”

Cameron Pennell, a form two pupil at Ashton International College won two gold medals at level three and has been included in the Speedo Youth training squad.

Also medalling at level two was Megan Bates (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 bronze) JJ Botha (1 Gold 3 silver, 2 bronze), Ruan Lotz (2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), and Pierre Botha (1 bronze). Membership of Ashton Swimming Academy – registered with Swim SA, is an open club and enquiries can be directed to the secretary at marketing1@ ashtonballito.co.za.