9 AUGUST 2006 She started out as a baby in Coppice Valley Teaching Pool but 12 year old, Lucy Budimir has become Harrogate Borough Council's first swimmer to go right through the swimming development scheme to become a national champion.  At the recent National Championships held at Ponds Forge in Sheffield, Lucy came away with one gold in the 100m breaststroke and one silver medal in the 200m breaststroke.

 

She is a swimming inspiration and one that the staff at the Hydro are proud of.  To inspire other young swimmers, they have invited Lucy to launch a new incentive for youngsters taking part in the swimming development scheme.

 

The swimming groups are colour coded and as each child progresses through the scheme they will be given free of charge a coloured swimming cap.  This will help increase health and safety and, at the same time, improve the quality of the water, which will require less chemicals and create a better swimming environment.

 

Harrogate's swimming development scheme is well ahead of other such schemes in the region.  Tony Stephens, Head of Leisure Museums and Arts, said:  "We have 100 teachers across the district, teaching 4000 children over seven days a week.  Taking them from as young as six months.  Many of our squad swimmers also teach part time for us. 

 

"Swimming remains one of the most popular leisure pursuits and we are extremely proud of Lucy's achievements.  She is a dedicated swimmer and, along with other members of the squads, is often pool side at 5.00 am to train before the pools open to the public.  We believe Lucy is a swimming star of the future and has the potential to go all the way in her chosen sport." ENDS