Laura Myers had the outstanding swim for Rochford and District Swimming Club at the 2001 Gators Open meet at Waltham Forest.

She won the 100m butterfly in 1.07.27 -- a club record. The time was also just .09 seconds outside the national age group qualifying time -- a great swim this early in the season.

Rochford swimmers dominated the girls 15 years and over events. Sophie Drake and Harriet Adams followed Laura home in the butterfly for fourth and fifth spots.

Laura herself also won the 100m freestyle, with Harriet Adams in second.

Harriet was also in second spot when she finished in a club 1-2-3 in 100m backstroke -- an event won by Gemma Pool with Rebecca Brindley third.

But Harriet refused to give up the ghost and finally won gold in 100m breaststroke. The 12-year-old girls also picked up two first places --Jessie Unwin winning the 100m butterfly and Megan Williams the 100m backstroke. Claire Ridley was placed twice in this age group.

Katie Taylor was second in the 14-year-old 100m breaststroke and third in 100m backstroke. For the boys, Lewis Fitzpatrick's four-second personal best took third in the 50m backstroke. Christopher Ridley made two 14-year finals, finishing a respectable third.

Published Thursday December 20, 2001