Chris Reigns In Spain
TEES Active employee Chris Leighton has struck gold in Spain with victory in the Junior Lifesaving European Championships.
The 20-year-old Stockton Leisure Assistant represented Great Britain recently against competitors from 13 other countries.
First place came in the SERC event (Simulated Emergency Response Competition) with Chris part of a team of four. Great Britain finished the event with 214 points, just pipping Germany who came second with 213 points.
The gold was followed by a bronze medal in the individual speed rope race, behind Holland in first and second places.
Chris was understandably thrilled, coming back to Stockton with two medals. His performance in the SERC not only drew praise from British coaches but German, Italian and Spanish too.
Great Britain also benefited from his contribution, finishing fourth overall, the team’s highest ever finish accompanying a record points tally.
This recent success hasn’t come easy however, with Chris training throughout the year at Billingham Forum and Splash.
Chris said: “I train four times a week with Billingham Forum Lifesaving Club and seven sessions a week with Borough of Stockton swim scheme, pool and land-based exercises.”
As well as swimming-related training, Chris works hard in the gym three times a week equating to a rigorous total of 20 hours training per week.
“My commitment seems to be paying off and with the help of the Activ8 Fitness Advisors I plan to continue improving my strength and stamina,” said Chris.
“I’m also hoping I can make the British squad for next years European Junior Championships and perhaps even make the Commonwealth Games squad in September next year.”
For more information on Billingham Forum Lifesaving Club, swimming programmes and the Bubble Super Swim Scheme, please contact Billingham Forum on (01642) 551 381, Splash on (01642) 527 272 and Thornaby Pool on (01642) 616 727.