Aimee Willmott claimed three gold medals in a triumphant BUCS Championship as Jack Giordmaina reports…
Willmott secured three gold medals and posted two new British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) records in the 800 metre freestyle event and the 400m individual medley.
The east Londoner is aiming to compete at her second Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer, and was delighted with her performance in the 200m backstroke as it is not her specialist event. 23-year old Willmott blew away her competition in her final race with a confident swim.
“I was never expecting to pick up three medals,” she said speaking to the University of East London. “I didn’t have any prospects in the 200m backstroke, but I used to do the event a lot when I was younger, so it was nice to regain that spark and claim a personal best.”
The Teesider was delighted by her success in the BUCS championship, as she felt it was the boost she needed before the Olympics in Rio.
“To come here and swim a lot in a small space of time against some tough competitors before Rio is great for my confidence. Winning some medals for UEL and the team is always a great feeling,” said the 23-year old.
Fellow swimmer Michael Gunning claimed two medals of his own, picking up two bronzes in the 200m and 400m freestyle events.
The UEL team finished the championships with 12 medals overall – five gold, three silver and four bronze – beating their previous record of 11 medals set in 2015.