Ben Smith, the Bermuda coach, has hailed the energy of the Island’s young swimmers who competed at the Mailboxes Unlimited Winter Age Group Championships at the BASA Pool at the weekend.

The three-day developmental meet featured 86 personal best times. Many of the competitors used the event to qualify for next year’s Carifta Swimming Championships.

The qualification deadline is January 31.

Smith, who also coaches Sharks Swim Club, said: “This shows that the training for the first phase of the season has worked and sets us up for another strong year.

“It was good to see some of our Carifta level swimmers lowering personal best times if not getting close to personal best times.”

Anthony Rynne, the president of the Dolphin Swim Team said that his coaches were pleased with the improvements made by their swimmers.

“Just about everyone dropped their times in at least one of their events,” Rynne said.

“Overall, the team recorded one of the highest percentages of personal bests in recent seasons. A large batch of brand new swimmers participated in the meet, and the level of excitement with which they faced this unfamiliar challenge showed in their enthusiasm.

“The coaches hope to build on this early success, as we see what improvements can be earned in the next sprint meet. Most of those swimmers returning from last year were trying new events, which is always a good thing. A fantastic weekend overall.”