Major Oak Open Meet 2025
A brilliant weekend for Derby Excel!
On 15–16 November at Water Meadows Leisure Centre, our swimmers competed in the Major Oak Open Meet, delivering excellent performances.
Forty-nine swimmers entered 257 events, achieving 45 podium finishes: 17 Gold, 14 Silver, and 14 Bronze. Seven swimmers (58% of qualifiers) qualified for the prestigious Skins Events after excelling in the 200 IM. The event overall was compelling viewing, with all our swimmers showing mature racing. We now have a reputation to keep!
Skins Winners:
Tyler (Boys Skins) – Champion two years running
Amelia (Girls Skins) – Champion two years running
Tyler and Amelia swam with power and pride,
Gliding through Skin's rounds, with elegance applied.
The Skins they conquered, with courage and grace,
A weekend of racing, a jubilant place.
Two years on top, their victory shines bright,
Champions who conquer the toughest of fights.
The cheers and the triumph, the stories retold,
A legacy shining in silver and gold.
Their rhythm, courage, and elegance—
Demonstrating to all their racing intelligence.
In addition to individual triumphs, the 13-year-old boys' and girls' squads stood out as the strongest across the entire meet. Significant progress was evident among all 11–12 age groups, particularly in IM and breaststroke. Many "first-time" distance swims were completed in both the 400 Free and 400 IM. Capping off a fantastic weekend, team spirit, with tremendous cheering—especially during the Skins Events.
Special thanks to our volunteer Officials and Team Managers. Your support and dedication made this possible.
(P.S. Sorry about the poem, but they were brilliant.)
