Swimming: Elwood sets new record at regional championships (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Swimming: Elwood sets new record at regional championships

6:10pm Wednesday 7th December 2011 in Sport By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

ULVERSTON swimmer Joe Elwood had a record breaking weekend at the ASA North West Winter Championships in Manchester.

In a series of 20 swims he smashed a full second off the 100m backstroke record with a time of 55.63, while also breaking the 4x100m medley record with his team mates from the City of Manchester Aquatics Swim Team.

Having just returned from the Canada Cup in Toronto, where he finished as top 18-year-old, Elwood was delighted with his performance.

He said: “It was a tremendous experience swimming abroad in such a high level meet and representing England was a great honour."

Elwood, a student at Ulverston Victoria High School is now in hard training for the Olympic Trials in March. He added: "Although I am still only 18, I've qualified for both the 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke events, so I'm really excited to be going."