In At The Deep End

Oldham Aquatics two-person team for the Swim England North West Open Water Championships both won medals.

Molly Roodhouse, 20, and Patrick Braddock, 15, competed in Salford Quays at the weekend event which also incorporated the Lancashire County Championships, along with four other regions.

Both train at the leisure centre in Middleton Road and were taking on the challenge of open water swimming for the first time, on what was the hottest day of the year so far.

Molly raced the 5km event and completed the equivalent of 200 lengths of a 25m pool in 1:06:25.27

She was the second female out of the whole field to finish, but was first in the 19 Year+ category to win both the North West and Lancashire gold.

Patrick competed in the shorter 3km distance, 120 lengths of a 25m pool, and was the fourth swimmer to complete the course.

His time of 38:45.41 was quick enough to win silver in both the 15 Years category of the North West and Lancashire Championships, just six seconds behind the winner from Blackpool.

The successful transition to open water comes shortly after an impressive season for both in the pool.

Molly set a new long course personal best in the Girls 17 Year/Over 100m Breaststroke to become County Champion in January.

She also won silvers in the 200 Breast and Individual Medley and bronze in the 50 Butterfly.

Patrick won bronze in the Men’s 15 Years 1,500 Freestyle at both Counties and Regionals – which also included top ten finishes in the 400 Free and IM.

Their open water success also means they have qualified for the Swim England Open Water National Age Group Championships to be held at Sheffield’s Rother Valley Country Park on August 5.

By Matthew Lees