On Saturday 7th June at the London Aquatics Centre in London, the Holmewood swimmers were up for an early morning of racing as they took part in the National IAP’s Finals. They had previously qualified in March for what is IAP’s largest sporting event of the year. The stadium was overflowing with spectators, creating an amazing atmosphere for the swimmers.
Relay Teams:
The year 7/ girls relay team swam first in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay. Club Captain Hen C started the relay team off with a great first length, followed by Isla F, Poppy S and finishing with Charlotte B with the team improving on their entry time and finishing in a fantastic 7th position.
Year 7/8 relay teams were: Phoenix C, Freddie M, Charlie W, Nolan S, and Zachary J. This team qualified for both the 4×50 Medley Relay and the 4×50 Freestyle Relay. The boys managed to improve their times by 4.5 seconds in both events finishing in 14th position for the Medley Relay and 11TH in the Freestyle event.
Individual Qualifiers:
This year we had 8 pupils that qualified for the National finals.
· Isla C Year 5 – 50m Freestyle
· Orlando C Year 5 – 50m Breaststroke
· Cassie L Year 6- 50m Breaststroke
· Isla F Year 7 – 50m Freestyle
· Zac J – 50m Backstroke
· Charlotte B – 50m Backstroke
· Phoenix C – 50m Backstroke
· Charlie W – 50m Freestyle
First to swim was Charlotte who was competing in her 4th National Final so new exactly how high the standard would be. Charlotte swam a great heat swim securing herself a spot in the final and setting herself a new personal best time. Charlotte went on to finish 9th in the finals later in the day. Cassie swam a great 50m Breaststroke which was her second year to compete at the national finals. Then we had both our Isla’s in action in the 50m Freestyle event. Isla C our youngest competitor from Holmewood kept her nerves under control to execute a great first race at this prestigious national competition in front of such a big crowd. Isla swam a personal best time finishing in 17th position. Last to swim was Isla F who was also making her debut at this event. Isla swam a very good race also swimming her lifetimes best and just missing out in the finals, finishing an amazing 11th position.
The boys then took to the pool for their respective events. Zac J who has made great progress this year swimming 50m Backstroke and finishing in 19th place. Brothers Phoenix and Orlando were up next both swimming personal best times in very fast heats both securing their spots in the finals. Last up to swim was Charlie W who was also making his debut swimming in an individual event having swam in previous years in the relay events. Charlie’s heat swim was a very speedy 28.8 seconds for his 50m Freestyle and qualified him into the finals in 4th position.
The finals were extremely competitive, and the boys really did do the school proud. Phoenix finished in 4th position, Charlie in 6th and Orlando finished in a fantastic 3rd place winning himself a bronze medal.
It really was a fantastic day of racing with Holmewood House showing great strength and depth in the swimming programme at the national final.
Congratulations to all the swimmers for your superb efforts.
Karen Bradbury
