The county’s best swimmers stood up to tough competition to win 13 medals at the Swim Wales Winter Open earlier this month.

Pembrokeshire County Swimming (PCS) bagged five gold, four silver and four bronze medals at the ‘Winter Nationals’ between December 1st-3rd at the National Pool in Swansea.

The youngsters also clocked up a raft of personal best times plus some valuable experience, as many competed in their first national level gala against some of the best age group swimmers from across Britain.

Charlotte Whalley led the charge for PCS, grabbing two gold and a silver in the three backstroke distances. It included a podium topping sprint in the 13-14 year 50m distance to touch in 31.58 seconds.

Sean Barrett secured bronze in the 50 breaststroke and struck gold in the 100m breaststroke in 1:11.58.

Arabella Haley of Tenby won the 15-16 year 200 backstroke in a time of 2:28.95.

Rhys Davies also secured gold in the boys’ 15-16 year 200 backstroke, hitting the wall in 2:15.60. 

Rory Andrews of Haverfordwest grabbed bronze in the 11-12 year 100m freestyle and won two silver medals, first in the 200 butterfly and second in the 200 freestyle in a speedy 2:15.19.

Louisa Twigg rounded off the PCS medal haul with two bronzes - in the 15-16 year 200 butterfly and 200 breaststroke - and silver in the 200 freestyle, touching in 2:29.71.

Sam Jones, assistant development coach at PCS, said: “Overall, another great display by PCS and some stand out performances. We are starting to be a team to be reckoned with in Wales. 

“Myself and Craig Nelson (head coach at PCS) are incredibly proud of PCS and what the swimmers have achieved at this three day meet.”