ISA National Swimming Championships, Saturday 21 January 2017

In the Autumn term, four of the Year 5 and 6 pupils performed exceptionally well at the regional ISA Gala giving them a place in last Saturday’s finals held at the prestigious Olympic Pool at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

Lucy A and Oakley D both took part in the 50m individual breaststroke, held in the morning session. This was the first time in the finals for Oakley, a very daunting feeling in such a magnificent venue. Whilst neither reached a medal position they gave it their very best effort and should be proud of their performances. They both competed in the medley relay for London North and again gave a supreme effort.

Lucy Q and Amelia O were both in the afternoon sessions. Lucy Q was racing in the Year 5 50m front crawl and the relay and Amelia would be racing in the Year 6 front crawl relay after narrowly missing out on first place in the regionals. Lucy Q was up first and after an amazing effort she was awarded with first place and a new ISA National Record for Year 5 in front crawl. What an achievement! In the relays the Year 5 London North team came second after a tantalising finish. Amelia O’s goal was to swim at the Olympic Pool in a competition, she smashed her goal when she was awarded with a silver medal from the front crawl relay.

All the children however, should be very proud to have reached this far and of their efforts on the day against some amazing and experienced swimmers especially from the Northern and Midland regions. They all had to get used to the pool being 50m long. All were in contention for medals at the 25m mark but could not sustain the impetus needed to maintain a lead.
We all had a most enjoyable day and went home exhausted.

Congratulations to all of you for your effort and participation, and thanks too to the parents for all their support.

Mr Clark