The electric atmosphere of an international championship came to Stockport last weekend when swimming megastars Adam Peaty and Kerri-anne Payne entered the pool at Life Leisure’s Grand Central Pools.
Adam, who just over a week ago claimed the 50m breaststroke world record in Berlin at just 19 years of age, joined open water champion and Olympic silver medallist Keri-anne Payne, who famously trained at Grand Central with Stockport Metro at the inaugural event of the 2014 SwimBritain campaign which goes to 11 venues across Britain. Keri said it was particularly special for her to swim with people from Stockport at this pool, as it was here that she first trained as a junior.
Keri-Anne Payne, Adam Peaty with member of the Life Leisure staff.
Hundreds of people had signed up weeks ago for the opportunity to swim alongside and be coached by their sporting idols at the fun team relay event. Everyone who took part in the event was thrilled to have their medals presented to them by their swimming heroes.
Kirsty Hockley, General Manager at Life Leisure commented, “We are delighted that SwimBritain chose our 50 metre pool, which is home to Stockport Metro Swimming Club, as the first venue in the series. It was very exciting to watch, the pool was set up with buoys to create a track for the swimmers which you often only see outside. It was also great that two outstanding athletes took the time to come down and encourage everybody who took part. We had a wonderful time, our Life Leisure swimming instructors did the pool side warm ups, which are always fun.”
SwimBritain is a major sport initiative open to anyone, driven by the partnership of British Gas and British Swimming, and aims to inspire 500,000 people across Britain to swim more regularly – and get fit.
Grand Central Pool – Stockport
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