SWIMMING: Sophie Brown makes it to two ASA finals (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Tetbury swimmer Sophie Brown back to her best after almost a year off

11:01am Wednesday 25th July 2012 in Sport

SOPHIE BROWN has just returned from the ASA National Youth Swimming Championships in Sheffield having had her most successful National meet ever.

Sophie, from Tetbury, was delighted even to qualify as she had to take 11 months out of the water last year due to ear problems which resulted in her having surgery in October.

She was only able to start swimming again just after Christmas.

She more than exceeded her expectations making four semi finals - 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke, 200m Backstroke - in her five individual events and progressing to two finals in the 17/18 years age band.

She collected a number of PBs (personal bests) along the way.

She was ranked ninth in her two finals but in both cases (100m Butterfly and 200m Backstroke) she surpassed herself with impressive swims to finish seventh.

Her 13th swim of the week in the 200m Backstroke final, produced another PB in 2.20.96.

Sophie is now back to seventh place in the National rankings at 100m Butterfly (17yo). She trains in the top squad at Gloucester City Swimming Club and is coached by Andy Osborne.

She will now have a well-deserved rest for a few weeks, before commencing training again for next season and continuing her A-Level studies at Cirencester College.