Palmer among the country’s best

A member of Newark Swimming Club showed he is at the top end of his sport in the country by finishing fifth in the National Biathalon Championships, in Solihull, West Midlands.

Benjamin Palmer competed against boys from all over the UK in the under-17 class, producing a top-five finish.

Biathalon is a race where entrants run and swim certain distances.

Also taking part was the club’s Samuel Thornton, who came 33rd in the under-13 class.

The club retained its position in Division One of the Sports Centre League after securing their survival at an event in Retford.

Newark battled against the top five teams in Nottinghamshire and finished fifth overall.

Olivia Mathias and Ethan Grace Riches provided the club’s two wins on the night.

Ten personal best times were set across the team.

Earlier in December, swimmers from the club took part in a gala for members aged 11 and under.

Newark struggled with a depleted team, but Riches showed great form as he powered to two more wins in both his events.

There were 13 personal best times overall, including two from first-time gala swimmier Lucas Hearn.

The next season of the Sports Centre League will start at the end of January 2014.