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CHIPPENHAM amateur swimming club is celebrating a first after three of its young aces qualified for the national finals in Sheffield.

Maddie and Ollie Harris, aged 15 and 17 respectively, plus 15-year-old Jack Ward will compete at the Ponds Forge international pool in July after attaining the necessary qualifying times.

It is the first time ever the club has sent three swimmers to the nationals.

And Jack, who will be making his nationals debut after qualifying for the 100m and 200m backstroke at the recent South West Championships, believes it is all thanks to coach Nigel Butler.

He said: "It's great for a small club like ours to get three swimmers going to the nationals, I'm really excited.

"Nigel's training sessions are very good and it has obviously paid off.

"He has worked us really hard, his sets are superb and his dedication to the club has been unbelievable."

Ollie has qualified for the 50 metres and 100 metres freestyle events, while Maddie will compete in the 50 metres freestyle.

She is also hoping to attain the required 100 metres qualification time this weekend in Sheffield.

Jack, of Applewood Close, Chippenham, is unsure of how he will fare at the nationals but is happy just to be there.

He said: "I've got a good chance of getting some personal bests but it will be tough to get a medal because I will be racing in the U15/U16 category against lads a year older than me.

"I'm looking forward to it."

10:13am Thursday 15th May 2008

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