BARNET Copthall swimmer Madeleine Tichborne has been awarded the A Van Beets Memorial Trophy by the Middlesex Amateur Swimming Association.

The award is presented annually for the best individual junior performance.

It topped off an outstanding year for the youngster.

In March, at the age of 11, she won six gold, seven silver and two bronze medals at the Middlesex County Championships.

She then became overall London 11-year-old champion by taking the individual titles in the 200m, 800m and 1500m freestyle, 200m butterfly, 100m backstroke and 400m individual medley.

July saw her best achievement when she became overall 11-year-old national champion, winning five gold medals and national titles in the 400m and 200m individual medley, 1500m, 400m freestyle and 200m backstroke, as well as two silver medals in the 800m and 200m freestyle.

Her coaches at Barnet Copthall, Christine Green and Rhys Gormley, who are also both GB coaches, are thrilled with her achievements.

Head coach Mr Gormley, who has coached such talents as Sarah Price, said: "The trophy is thoroughly deserved. Maddie is a dedicated swimmer with an enormous desire to win. This year she has achieved the best results ever by a Barnet Copthall swimmer at such a young age."

Maddie is not, however, resting on her laurels. She, along with the rest of the top swimmers from Barnet Copthall, will be jetting off to Italy just after Christmas for a week-long training camp.

Later in January, Maddie, along with 12 other Barnet Copthall swimmers, will represent Middlesex at an international gala in Geneva.

For further information on Barnet Copthall Swimming Club, go to www.barnetcopthall.com