City of Oxford’s Sam van de Schootbrugge took gold in five events at the South East Region Winter Champion-ships at Aldershot The club had eight swimmers competing this year, compared with just two who qualified in 2007.

Fifteen-year-old old Van de Schootbrugge achieved under 16 national qualifying times in the 200m individual medley (IM), 400m IM, 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 200m backstroke.

He was also the overall fastest swimmer in the south east in the 400m freestyle, earning him the title of regional champion in this event.

He took silver medals in the Open category in his other four races.

Clubmate Carly Hayles, 15, also excelled in the 200m backstroke, achieving a nat-ional qualifying time and taking silver medals in the event in both the junior and open championships.

Leanne Brooks, 14, produced a 22-second personal best in the 1500m freestyle, ranking her fourth in the regional junior champion-ships.

Drew Finnigan and Ben Chapman, both 15, swam well to take fourth place in the in the 50m backstroke and 400m freestyle respectively.

Finnigan also swam an excellent 100m backstroke, finishing fifth in a personal best time.

Despite suffering from illness, Chapman swam under a minute in the 100m freestyle, which was a long-course personal best.

At 14, Hannah Vine did well to qualify for eight events in 16 & under age group and finished ninth in the junior and open 200m breaststroke.