This year’s British squad for the European Junior Championships, to be held from July 10th-14th in Poland, is a solid mix of newcomers to international swimming, as well as the return of some veterans to lead them to continental battle. The team was selected based on results of the British Gas International Meet (BGIM) a week ago in Leeds
Matthew Johnson brings the starpower on this team. At last year’s meet, he won gold in the 400 IM in 4:17.26, another in the 200 fly with a 1:58.50, and a silver in the 400 free in 3:51.04. He is a huge part of the team’s plans headed toward the 2016 Olympics when the Brits will have to reload to deal with a big wave of retirements.
James Guy from Millfield finished one spot behind him in the 400 freestyle last year; the 17-year old since then has made big strides, especially in his speed. While he’s knocked about a second-and-a-half off of his best 400 time, at the BGIM he got his 200 free down to a 1:48.2, which if repeated will make him a contender for a relay spot in Barcelona. Millfield is the same club that has produced stars like James Disney-May (at Auburn), Neal Harper (head coach at Florida State and two-time Olympian), and the great Mark Foster.
The leads on the women’s team include 15-year old Harriet Cooper from Leicester. She’s a sprint freestyler and backstroker who was a 56.5 in the 100 free and 1:02.4 in the 100 back last week to qualify for this meet.
The British Gas GBR Swimming Team is:
Harry Ackland Plymouth Leander
Alex Dunk Prescot
James Guy Millfield
Caleb Hughes Hatfield
Matthew Johnson City of Sheffield
Joel Knight Millfield
Max Litchfield Doncaster DARTES
Jack Smith Plymouth Leander
Mark Szaranek Carnegie
Nathan Theodoris British Gas Swansea ITC
Shauntelle Austin Blackpool Aquatics
Megan Briggs Warrender Baths
Harriet Cooper City of Leicester
Kathleen Dawson Warrington Warriors
Emma Day Guildford City
Alice Dearing Royal Wolverhampton School
Lucy Hope Borders Elite Swim Team (BEST)
Ellena Jones Swim Swansea
Amber Keegan NOVA Centurion
Katie Latham Thanet Swim
Lucy McKenzie Cockermouth
Erin Nabney Ealing
Rosie Rudin NOVA Centurion
Linda Shaw City of Leeds