Stratford duo qualify for British Swimming Championships

STRATFORD teenagers Ailsa Gaven-McHagh and Lucy Castle helped Team Mercia qualify for the women’s 4x200 metres freestyle relay at the British Summer Swimming Championships.

The 18-year-olds learnt to swim at Stratford Leisure Centre and have been competing since the age of nine, initially swimming for Stratford Sharks and in the last year for Leamington Spa, where they were selected for Team Mercia.

Team Mercia was formed from swimming clubs across the West Midlands to create a pathway of opportunity for talented swimmers to train and compete together at regional and national level.

They do not replace the swimmer’s existing clubs, but seek to complement the existing structures and provide the next level of support for swimmers and coaches.

The girls will be joined by team-mates from Leamington Spa and Nuneaton.