Five star Allan makes a splash at county gala
26 Apr 2001
EDEN swimming star Allan Armstrong was the star of the show when members of the Penrith club travelled to Whitehaven for the Griffin Gala.
Allan won five events to carry off the Bill Griffin Trophy, awarded for the best performance of the day by a boy of any age.
Gala organisers praised what they called “a superb display of swimming” by the Penrith youngster, who followed up a victory in the 50-metre backstroke with wins in the 100-metre individual medley, 50-metre breaststroke, 50-metre butterfly and 25-metre backstroke.
It is the first time an 11-year-old has won the award and capped a truly memorable day for Allan.
He was also placed second in the 25-metre freestyle, 25-metre butterfly and 25-metre breaststroke and was named best 11-year-old boy in the gala.
Almost every club in the county was represented at the gala, which featured a total of 54 events. Also present was an extremely strong contingent from Lancaster.
But the Penrith group performed well against the strong competition.
Laura Huggon won the 10 year girls’ 25-metre backstroke from an unfavourable draw, was placed second in the 25-metre freestyle and finished fourth in the 50-metre backstroke, 50-metre freestyle and 25-metre butterfly.
In addition to securing second place in the 12 year boys’ 25-metre freestyle and 50-metre freestyle, Michael Ellery was fourth in the 25-metre butterfly and sixth in the 25 and 50-metre backstroke races.
Rebekkah Smith finished sixth in the 10 year girls’ 25-metre freestyle.
Penrith Swimming Club chairman Ian White said the efforts of competitors and coaches alike were being rewarded.
“Many of our other swimmers continued to emphasise their recent progress by recording personal best performances,” he said.