TDK-Lambda News

Louise Watkin and Lauren Steadman, part of the TDK-Lambda sponsored Kelly College Paralympic Swim Squad, were in great form last month at the Disability Sport Events (DSE) short course swimming National Junior championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

Breaking three British Records and recording six Junior National Championships records in the S9 class, Louise’s medal haul totalled 10 golds – eight individual and two relay. Lauren, also an S9 swimmer, had a great National Championship breaking the five minute barrier in the 400m Free-style, her time of 4.59.06 seconds was one of three personal best times recorded over the weekend. Lauren's impressive six silver and two relay gold medals, adds to Kelly College's domination in this classification.

Commenting on their success, TDK-Lambda UK Managing Director, Adam Rawicz said: “Louise and Lauren are athletes who take dedication to a new level. Following their great successes at the Beijing Paralympics, it takes immense determination to keep the momentum up and surpass their goals with more records broken and personal bests.”

TDK-Lambda UK, the Devon based power supply manufacturer, supports the Kelly College Paralympic Swim Squad and has contributed towards the team’s new kit and the College’s major project of establishing a new Swimming Performance Centre complete with enhanced strength and conditioning facilities, video analysis equipment and a remedial facility.


About The Kelly College Swim Squad:
The Kelly College Swim Squad was formed in 1978 in conjunction with the opening of a new 25-metre pool. The squad, coached by Terry Davies – father of Sharron, quickly established itself as being amongst the best in the country with Sharron Davies, Helen Jameson, Andy Jameson, Paul and Robin Brew going on to represent Great Britain with distinction at the Olympic Games.

When Archie Brew the Director of Swimming retired from Kelly College in December 2000 after 21 years of international coaching, it was very fitting that his son and former Kelly pupil and Olympian, Robin Brew, was appointed as Director of Swimming.

Robin joined Kelly from the National High Performance Centre at the University of Bath where he worked on the World Class Performance Programme, coaching some of the country's most talented senior swimmers.

Robin places emphasis on the long-term development of the swim squad and has invested a great deal of time in the provision of excellent coaching for junior members of the squad. Over the last couple of years the standard of the young squad has risen dramatically and now has 10 swimmers ranked in the top ten in the country of which four are ranked number one for their age.