Competing in his first full international Wigan BEST member Chris Suggitt out performed all his fellow GB Team Mates in finishing 15th in the 5K LEN Cup Kocaeli, Turkey. The event which took place in the Mamara Sea was a close fought contest with 51 competitors from across Europe. Chris stated “this was a very tough race with everyone pushing, and pulling to achieve the best position to finish” After 56 minutes of swimming there was there was still only 9 seconds between Chris and the leader. Chris said ” I turned on the last buoy and ready to push for the final 800m and just as I started to get into my final sprint I felt the hands of the Czech swimmer get hold of my head and push me under which briefly put me off my stroke, which just held me back from moving up the position’s”
This was a fantastic opportunity for Chris one that is well deserved following his life time best performances in the 400m and 800m Freestyle in Sheffield producing a 3:58 in the 400m and 8:10 in the longer event.
For our younger swimmers this should be a brilliant incentive as Chris commenced his swimming career here in Wigan being promoted through all our ability groups over a 9 year period before continuing his career with his university in Swansea.
Chris will return on the 28th July and go straight back to Sheffield to compete in the ASA Nationals.