Talbot Heath Swimming Academy ISA Regional Championships
Millfield School 6th November
With a team mixed between experienced and new swimming pupils, the Talbot Heath Swimming Academy team headed to Millfield to take part in the ISA Regional Swimming Championships. With places available to secure individual or relay spots for the Southwest Team heading to ISA Nationals at the end of November, the Talbot Heath swimming pupils had to throw their all into racing.
For many of our Junior School pupils, it was their first time at a competition, but, in line with our Academy values, they rose above their nerves and discomfort to step onto the block, jump into the water, and give it their best shot. Indeed, the whole team of Vera, Julia, Hana, Arabella, Maisie, Isla, Polly, Shriya and Lilac made it into the top 8 places in their respective events. Most impressively, no one gained any disqualification, and every pupil gained a personal best in every swim they performed in at the Junior level.
At the Senior level, wins went to Jess M-W, Caidee S, and Victoria H in the breaststroke events, with Carmen taking the win in the 100m free and Mila in the 50m fly. Blossom earned second place in 100 breast and 200 IM, with Romilly finishing second in 100m breast, and third in 200m IM and 100m back. Florence was second in the 100m Back, as was Jemima in the 100 m Free. Coco earned third place in the 50m fly, with Yasmin earning the same position in the 100m breast. Across the Senior pupils’ races, 11 personal best times were set in 22 races.
There were some memorable moments to see with older pupils nurturing our younger pupils from the coach travel at the start of the day, to being as one on the poolside during warmups and offering race advice between events.
Impressively, 9 pupils will represent the Southwest team at the National Finals in late November. Well done to Vera, Julia, Jessica, Caidee, Victoria, Florence, Carmen, Jemima and Mila.
Our thanks go to David for officiating, Sam and Nicki for helping team manage, Emma for announcing so eloquently and to our coaches Barry and Karen.
