Many happy returns! Palmer shines at Hemel Birthday Open

Hemel Hempstead Swimming Club provided two days of thrilling competition this weekend at their 102nd Birthday Open Meet at Hemel Sportspace.
Lawrence Palmer, centre, with Putteridge head coach Lesley Batson and acting Hemel Hempstead SC head coach Alan DoyleLawrence Palmer, centre, with Putteridge head coach Lesley Batson and acting Hemel Hempstead SC head coach Alan Doyle
Lawrence Palmer, centre, with Putteridge head coach Lesley Batson and acting Hemel Hempstead SC head coach Alan Doyle

The highlight was provided by Lawrence Palmer from Putteridge SC whose impressive 50m breaststroke swim of 26.85 seconds was the fastest short course time by a British swimmer in 2015.

It also represented the second-fastest time in the last 12 months – only bettered by Olympic gold medallist and world champion Adam Peaty – and the fourth fastest time by a British swimmer ever.

A total of 280 swimmers from Amersham, Banbury, Berkhamsted, Bourne End, Chesham, Hatfield, Hemel, Modernians, Putteridge, St Albans and Watford achieved an impressive 774 personal best times from 1,200 swims.

Watford Swimming Club won the trophy for best visiting club.

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