Local Saddleworth swimmer, Molly, heads to British Championships

Molly Roodhouse, Jessica Calderbank, Callum Quigley and Luke Kearslake

Reporter: Judith Grinter

Local Saddleworth swimmer Molly Roodhouse raced, along with two others, Jessica Calderbank and Callum Quigley in the Edinburgh International Meet between March 1 and 4 while Luke Kearslake also qualified but unfortunately missed out due to the extreme weather.

Oldham Community Leisure’s Advanced Training Scheme had swimmers compete at the recent British Championships for the first time since London 2012 despite the severe weather.

Head Coach Mark Lord told Saddleworth News and Life: “Having battled through arctic weather conditions to get to Edinburgh the swimmers met tough competition and performed well under the circumstances.
“The experience will put us in good stead as we look to build on the improvements we have made over the last few months.”

Molly, who is 19, was first to swim in the Royal Edinburgh Pool and did the 400m Individual Medley in a time of 5:08.16. She also raced the 100 Breast in 1:16.33 beating the time she set in July’s Summer Championships.
Molly doubled up to do the 200 Breast and swam 2:38.46 which was her quickest since August 2017 when she won the 17yr/over event at English Nationals. Her final race was the 50 fly in a time of 29.56.

The group all train in the £15million leisure centre, in Middleton Road, which opened in November 2015 and has allowed the scheme to thrive.
More swimmers, starting from age nine, have joined the scheme since the move which has five groups – national, regional, county, junior and senior/masters.
Many qualified for the recent Lancashire County Championships including Jessica who won gold in the Women’s Open 50 Fly and bronze in the 100 fly.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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