SOUTH TYNESIDE SWIM TEAM CONGRATULATES SOUTH SHIELDS’ CHRIS COOK ON GOLD MEDAL SUCCESS

DATE: 02 April 2008
Ref: Chris Cook

South Tyneside Swim Team Head Coach Ken Nesworthy today congratulated Chris Cook on his Gold medal and new Commonwealth record in the 100 m breast stroke at Sheffield.  He said he was delighted with Chris Cook's performance and spoke to him on Wednesday night by telephone to congratulate him on his achievement and on  securing his position in the nominations for this year’s Olympics in Beijing.

Mr Nesworthy said he was not at all surprised that “Cooky” had broken the 60 second  barrier and that many,  many seasons ago,  when he had coached Chris when he was a member of the South Tyneside Swim Team , they had planned a sub 60 second 100 breast and he was delighted that he had now achieved it.

Mr Nesworthy added:

“Chris an excellent role model to thousands youngsters has proved time and time again that it isn’t always necessary to train in a 50 metre pool, but to have a combination of consistent water time and good quality coaching as he has had at the Newcastle pool with  coach Ian Oliver.

“The Americans train in a 25 yard pool and they haven’t done too bad over the years. Give us the pool time and we will produce the champions.”

Extract from ASA website:
The men's 100m Breaststroke saw three men fighting it out for the top two
spots to confirm their nomination to the British Olympic squad.

City of Newcastle swimmer Chris Cook controlled the pace over the first 50m
and he turned within the Commonwealth record time, he was looking in good
form throughout the final. James Gibson (Loughborough University) was close
behind Cook at the turn, with Kris Gilchrist (City of Edinburgh) turned in
third place.