A YEAR after her dad Greg won bronze at the Olympic Games, Josie Searle did likewise on her National Swimming Championships debut.

Greg Searle was part of the men’s eights crew that earned a rowing bronze at Eton Dorney.

And just over 12 months later it was Josie’s turn as the 12-year-old raced to third place in the girls 100m breaststroke.

Her time of 1:16.87 puts her on par with several British female Olympic breaststrokers when they were that age, and has earned her a provisional place at the British Championships.

She said: “It was a great experience and I really enjoyed it.”

Searle was one of nine Wycombe District Swimming Club members at the championships, all of whom were making their nationals debut.

Luke Thomas swam a huge personal best to take sixth place in the final of the boys 15/16 years 400m medley, while Liam Jones set personal bests over 100m and 200m backstroke, reaching the semi-finals of the latter.

Fiona Shaw just missed a personal best in the 400m freestyle, while George Longhurst finished 24th in the boys 200m butterfly.

He also competed with Ethan Carter, James Baxter and Jack Cox in two relay events, exceeding seeding placings in the 4x200m and 4x100m, while Danielle Kidd took part in the 200m backstroke.

Head coach Kevin Brooks said: “This year’s nationals has been fantastic. It’s been great to see the qualifies all experience it for the first time and, on the whole, compete with distinction.

“All the coaching team are so proud of them and we know that this is just the beginning for Wycombe.”

http://www.wycombe-swimming.org.uk