Bedale Sharks have begun the 2002 swimming season in explosive form recording an outstanding 44 personal best (pb) times competing at Middlesbrough, Harrogate and Bedale over the last two weekends.

The pb frenzy began with Sharks swimmer Joe Potts at the Harrogate Open. Joe competed in six events in all and never placed below sixth recording pb's in all events. His excellent time of 35.95 in the Boys 12 50m Backstroke earning him second place.

On the same weekend at Middlesbrough's Neptune, nine swimmers competed for honours in the AA Grade Gala. James Dixon having a good day recording first position in the Boys 13+ 50m Breaststroke in a time of 38.57 and fourth in the Boys 13+ 50m Backstroke in 37.91. Other top ten swimmers on the day were Tom Croft in fourth in the Boys 10/12 50m breaststroke and Liam Fletcher in sixth in the same event. Kelly McAnally overcome illness to finish eighth and ninth in Girls 13+ 50m Fly and 50m Breast. In all a total of 18 pb were recorded.

A further 20 pbs were added to the total at the first of the season's Moors League Galas held at Bedale Leisure Centre. Joe Potts again showing good form and further bettering his pb for 50m Backstroke in 35.20.

The Sharks fought hard in every event which produced some very exciting swimming for the packed venue. The grand finale the Mixed Cannon 8x1 Free/Relay finished the day in great style.

Bedale finishing the day in third place overall.