SCHOOLGIRL SWIMMER MEETS WORLD CHAMPION

Helen Woodbridge, 13, of Peel Close Kibworth recently attended a "Swim Clinic" at St Margarets' Swimming Baths in Leicester, run by World Swimming Record Holder, for 50 metres butterfly and freestyle, Mark Foster.

Helen, who has already represented the County at swimming at butterfly for 3 years has two ambitions to fulfil. Firstly, she would like to swim for England in the Olympics in the year 2000 in Sydney, Australia and she would also like to be a gladiator in the TV programme. She says she is a sports fan and likes to play football and basketball although her academic ability is not suffering either.

In order to achieve her first ambition, Mark, her father gets up four mornings a week at 5.00 am to take Helen training at St Margarets' Baths. Helen swims five evenings a week also and reckons she now swims 45,000 meters (about 25 miles) every week!

She has now gained numerous statuettes, prizes and certificates - her bedroom is a testament to her endeavours - and she even went to America last Christmas for a holiday with her family where they just happened to visit a state of the art swimming complex at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Helen's younger sister, Hayley, 6, has recently gained her 400 metres swimming badge.

Well done both of you.

Any comments or question please e-mail us @

stephen.poyzer@which.net or jemeny@globalnet.co.uk

 © Kibworth & District Chronicle 1998