ATHERTON swim star Heather Frederiksen is the 1999 junior Northern Counties Open Water champion.

The 13-year-old switched from the pool with Atherton Swimming Club for her first open water event over 2k at Salford Quays.

Heather, who also trains with City of Salford, is preparing for the ASA National Age Groups in Coventry in August.

She will compete in a trio of events - 400 freestyle and IM and 200 backstroke.

SWIMMERS from Tyldesley SC picked up a quartet of gold medals in the latest round of Warburton Galas.

There was also a record time, five bronze and a series of final positions.

Jessica Howarth's gold followed a record-breaking performance in the 14-Year 100 freestyle.

Sarah Wood made it double gold with PBs in both the 12-Year 100 backstroke and 50 butterfly events.

And No 4 came from 16-year-old Jenny Coughlin with a PB in the 100 backstroke.

Andrew Hurst, another 16-year-old, picked up double bronze in the 100 backstroke (PB) and 50 freestyle. And there were bronzes, too, for sisters Stephanie (14-Year 50 breaststroke) and Samantha Thompson (12-Year 100 butterfly).

Michelle Greensmith was third in the 12-Year 200 individual medley, closely followed by Samantha (4th) and Sarah Wood (5th).

Michelle also secured a fourth spot in the 100 backstroke as did Jenny Coughlin in the 50 freestyle.

Sixths went to Samantha Greensmith, 14, in the 100 butterfly, Samantha Thompson in the 100 backstroke and Charlotte Steele, 12, in the 50 butterfly.

Although Michael Robinson,10, failed to reach the final, he did achieve a PB in the 50 backstroke.

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