Charlotte heads to Norfolk for her first ever open water race

Charlotte Watson impressed at the East Region Open Water Championships

Having only done one practice session in a lake before, this was her first open water race – the novice 800m.

With a good start and a consistent pace, she was seventh in her wave of swimmers at the finish. Her time of 12:14 placed her fifth in the region and fourth Herts swimmer.

Charlotte said: “My race went better than I could have expected and was much easier than I originally thought it was going to be.

Jamie Bailey, Kieran Mallory and Danny Hoyes took second place overall at the Chiltern Junior Triathlon

“Overall I really enjoyed the whole day; it was very enjoyable and I cannot wait for my next open water competition.

“I recommend everyone to at least try an open water competition, as it is one of the best experiences I have ever had.”

Earlier, three of the club’s young male athletes competed in the Chiltern Junior Triathlon.

Jamie Bailey took the bronze medal in the boys’ 11/12 age group, and led Kieran Mallory and Danny Hoyes to second overall in the team event for their age category.