Four gold medals for 'rusty' swimmer
SWIMMING star David Holmes took to competing at a major national gala like a duck to water.
The Doncaster Dartes ace claimed FOUR gold medals at the recent British Gas ASA Masters and Senior Age Group Championships at Ponds Forge - despite entering on a whim.
Since returning to his home town from a college education in the United States two years ago, former junior swimming sensation David has done little in the way of formal training.
But that did not prevent the talented 27-year-old winning gold in the 400m individual medley, 400m freestyle, 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle.
David, of Wheatley, said: "I only really entered because I knew a few of my friends from Derby swimming club were going to be there.
"I've had a few sessions with the Dartes recently but I came back from the States in May 2007 and I've not really done a great deal in the pool since then.
"I've been going to the gym to stay fit but that doesn't get you swimming fit.
"I wasn't really expecting to win anything major."
Hospital auditor David, who swam in the 25-29 age group at Sheffield, also set a new British age group record in the 400m individual medley - clocking a time of 4mins 30.05. He also won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle.
"The highlight of my swimming career was competing in the college nationals in the States," said David, a coach at Armthorpe swimming club. "I swam in junior national galas for the Dartes when I was younger but these are the first national titles I've won.
"It's difficult to fit in a lot of pool time when you're travelling around the country all week working," he added.
"I've identified a few more goals I'd like to achieve - but I won't be taking it too seriously."
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Weather for Doncaster
Sunday 05 February 2012
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