MID Beds Swim Squad continued their outstanding form into the National Youth Championships. Eight swimmers qualified during the 2007-8 season for a place at the biggest meet of the year. Yasmin Bithrey and Adam Ingledew set the standard as they both qual

MID Beds Swim Squad continued their outstanding form into the National Youth Championships.

Eight swimmers qualified during the 2007-8 season for a place at the biggest meet of the year.

Yasmin Bithrey and Adam Ingledew set the standard as they both qualified in personal best times for the semi-finals of the 100m freestyle.

Adam recorded a Bedfordshire ASA senior record in the semi-final, as well as an ASA East Region junior record. But it wasn't enough to take him through to the final.

His time of 53:65 was .02 of a second outside the qualifying time for the European Youth Olympics next year, but he will have to record this in the British Championships in April and finish in the top two swimmers in his age.

Yasmin furthered her potential in the semi-final but narrowly missed out by 0.3 of a second to progress through.

Harriet Brettle had some solid swims in the range of freestyle events, with Alice Marchant, who was struck by nerves in her first ever championship, and was just outside her best in the 1500m freestyle.

Sam Bradley, who competes in the disability group seven, made three finals setting personal bests.

Chris Bradbury starred in the 50m freestyle, taking a massive 0.5 secs off his best and narrowly missed out on the semi-finals.

Rachel Hollington battled well in the 100m backstroke on the last day of the championships, with her nerves getting the better of her in her race.

Aydin Berki topped the championships off by collecting a bronze medal in the 3000m endurance freestyle event at his first national championships.

Head coach Vix Metcalf said of the performances of the youth swimmers: "They have really risen to the challenge of the nationals. There was a lot to live up to, after the results from the national age group championships, but they have worked hard all season and have been rewarded by the results posted.

"Next season will be a bigger challenge, having sought the advice from several Olympic coaches, the training regime will be more demanding for all involved, but the benefits should be even bigger.