Chance for Yorkshire swimmers to prosper

Yorkshire's brightest swimming talents have joined established Team GB members to compete against some of the sport's biggest names in the United States.
Middlesbrough's Aimee Willmott. Picture: Joe Giddens/PAMiddlesbrough's Aimee Willmott. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA
Middlesbrough's Aimee Willmott. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA

A mixed squad of Olympians and inexperienced swimmers have been sent to compete at the latest three-day Pro Swim Series in America, with the final events taking place today.

The competition will act as a warm-up towards the national championships in Sheffield next month where selection for this year’s Worlds will be at stake.

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Prior to the event, British Swimming head coach Bill Furniss said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the younger swimmers to learn from their more experienced team-mates but I know the seniors will also take a lot from the younger athletes as well.”

Max LitchfieldMax Litchfield
Max Litchfield

Middlesbrough’s Aimee Willmott featured in a cluster of White Rose competitors in the 41-strong British party, which also features Rio 2016 gold-medal winner Adam Peaty.

Sheffield’s Max Litchfield gave another show of his potential with a bright swim on Thursday as he finished third in the 400m freestyle. The 21-year-old finished two seconds behind American Zane Groth with British teammate James Guy second.

Younger brother Joe Litchfield, 18, got his first taste of competing in a world-class field but could only qualify for the C finals in the 200m breaststroke and 100m butterfly. Fellow Sheffield youngsters Elliot Clogg and Nick Grainger joined the siblings in Indianapolis alongside City of Leeds swimmer Layla Black.

Chloe Tutton provided the only British victory on Thursday in the 200m breaststroke.

Duncan Scott came second in the men’s 100m freestyle and Jaz Carlin was second in the 400m freestyle final.