October 19, 2010 5.07 pm This story is over 169 months old

Lincolnite is youngest judge in UK

Going swimmingly: A Lincoln teenager has become the youngest person in the country to be a swimming judge.

A member of the Lincoln Pentaqua Swimming Club has become the youngest swimming judge in the country.

Chloe Battersby (15) from Lincoln started swimming at the age of 4, and was recently awarded her Judge Level 1 award from British Swimming.

She decided to join the club as a voluntary official after sustaining a shoulder injury, stopping her from competing.

The swimming club supported Battersby by helping her train and giving her opportunities to learn new skills, timekeeping or judging.

Battersby now officiates at various swimming galas across the East Midlands, while doing her training for Judge Level 2. She also aims to judge nationally.

She said: “The best thing about officiating is being able to meet other young officials and getting the chance to officiate at big events like the open meets at Ponds Forge, even though I’m still only young.”

Chairperson of Pentaqua, Anita Ruffle said: “Without volunteers like Chloe, who are the lifeblood of a swimming club, the sight of our national athletes standing on a central podium raising gold medals would be a dream rather than a reality.

“We are proud that she is part of our team.”

Source, Photo: Lincolnshire Sports Partnership