KENDAL boys’ swimming event proved to be highly exciting with a standout performance from Max Ainsworth.

Ainsworth led the field; no doubt his open water swims were of great help. In the 100 Breaststroke he reigned supreme to snatch Gold in both the 16/under and the Open event. He got a great start off the block and placed himself in a position for success.

Working hard Mathew Gibson, Reece Kinley and Lennon Bell all made determined challenges, but Ainsworth with superb talent and skill managed to fight them off. Into the final length Ainsworth pulled clear and began to wind it up. Keeping the pressure on he came through to win with a fair degree of ease.

Turning to the 100 Individual Medley he gave another remarkable performance, putting all four strokes together and dealing with all the challenges that came his way. 

In the 16/under he took a well-earned victory over Adam Stansfield and Kinley to complete a trio of wins but had to settle for Silver in the Open.

Stansfield gave a performance to be proud of in the 200 Butterfly getting away to a great start and taking it on.

He quickly found a steady rhythm and looking very confident, forced the pace and held his nerve. Into the final length he drew on his reserves and timed his winning finish to perfection.

The 50 Backstroke saw him display his sprinting ability and he produced a stunning performance. Off to a great start he immediately found himself in the mix with Jacob Klijn and Mathew Foster. Stansfield set a remarkable pace and with a superb turn and transition he established a short lead. Then came the surge for the finish. Burning off the opposition he came through to win over Klijn and Foster.

Klijn also took double gold, opening with a terrific display in the 200 Freestyle.

He got a great start off the block and lead them with Evan Dart and Foster providing the main opposition.

They worked hard to overtake but Klijn responded with a powerful burst that put him ahead and in a close finish he did just enough to win the race.

His other win came from the Open 100 Individual Medley and a real battle developed between him Ainsworth and Stansfield.

Over the four strokes none would give an inch and in the run in it was Klijn who took the title by a split second.

Two other swimmers, Austin Woodburn and Jake Smith also completed the double, both winning gold in their age group and the same event.