Ella Dias

ELLA Dias has become the first AIB Tigers’ swimmer since Simon Le Couilliard in 2005 to claim a national medal after winning silver at the ASA National Age Group Championships in Sheffield yesterday.

Dias (12) is the first female Tiger since Natalie Bree in 2002 to achieve the feat, and medalled after a fantastic 9.33.00 swim in the 12 years age group, heat declared, 800m freestyle – taking a massive nine seconds off her personal best.

In the same event but for her age group, 13-year-old Emily Bashforth also showed she is one to watch for the future after dismantling her personal best by 12 seconds and claiming an Island junior and senior record to boot.

Bashforth’s 9.24.99 performance gave her fifth overall, which means she now boasts two top ten finishes for the week.

Dias was only beaten to gold in her event by Guernsey’s multi-gold medal winner Kristina Nevees from a later heat who already has some 12 National titles to her name.

AIB Tigers coach Nathan Jégou described yesterday’s results as ‘spectacular’.

Dias and Bashforth are joined at the competition by fellow AIB Tigers Giovanni Gaurino and Henry Job, who competes today.