Swim England Winter National 2021 Preview
Swim England Winter Nationals Preview
A record 12 swimmers from Poole Swimming Club qualified for the Swim England Winter Nationals, which will be hosted at Sheffield’s, Ponds Forge from 3rd – 5th December.
After the ‘pool of dreams’ was built for the World Student Games in 1991, it’ doors was shut, and fete unknown for the best part of 2020 amid COVID chaos. However, due to campaigning the centre was re-opened, so it will be a special and welcome return for all of England’s clubs when they descend on the place that has become the home of National Swimming over the past three decades.
This will be the first National competition since the National Winter Championships back in December 2019. The meet is England’s premier Short Course event, and this year will see heats run in 2 x 25m pools. Pool A for males, Pool B for males.
Finals will be in one pool, with the top 10 athletes qualifying. There is also a junior final for swimmers born 2005 and younger.
Senior Athletes
It is a welcome return to competitions at National level for Robbie, Ella, Catherine and Aimie, with Amy G qualifying for her first nationals. Amy’s testament and resilience over the years certainly filled the coaching team with pride, when she qualified.
Senior swimmers will compete in the following events
Robbie H: 50m, 100m, 200m Back, 50m Fly, 200IM
Catherine E: 50m & 100m Free, 50m & 100m Fly, 50m Back and 100m IM
Ella M: 50m & 100m Free, 50m & 100m Fly
Aimie Q: 400m IM
Amy G: 200m Back
Junior Athletes:
Heartbreakingly Zack S who qualified for his first nationals along with Ollie J, in discussion with coaches, have made the decision to drop out of the competition to allow sensible recovery time following recent illnesses.
A smile after qualifying
Zack who qualified in 200 Back, worked his way up through the Regional Academy having been challenged and nurtured by a very proud Coach Chris. Ollie, a character who has fitted in seamlessly with the squad, recently moved into the area, to study and train with Poole Swimming Club qualified in 100m IM, 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke, continuing his national-level status.
Teammates
It was with relief and immense pride that coach Jan saw swimmers she’s has nurtured in her string squad over the last few years, finally be able to compete at Nationals in a range of events, with Charlie, Max, Tilly, and Sheila making their national debuts. Alex C made the British Summer Nationals in 2019 Long Course and will look forward to seeing how well he can do short courses.
Alex C: 50m & 100m Fly
Charlie M: 50m, 100m, 200m Back and 100m Free
Max L: 50m Fly, 100IM
Tilly M: 200m Fly
Sheila M: 50m Free
Head Coach Barry Alldrick commented
“The club just one year into a reshuffle and launch of a new pathway was hit with COVID and up and down training cycles. To see so many swimmers not only still enjoying our beautiful sport but to go on and qualify for a National Competition from a range of squads is very special and testament to the club and coaches”.
“However, this is all about the swimmers now, they have been well prepared, they have the passion and the squad camaraderie, and now all they need to do is come away with a season-best in each event and thrive in the National Arena”
All from Poole Swimming Club wish our swimmers the best of luck.
The event will be being live-streamed, stay tuned and watch our team fly:
Swimming Live Stream | Watch the Latest Swimming Videos
Results can be seen here:
Finally - To ensure we give every swimmer the recognition they deserve, a camera-shy picture of Aimie at a table, thinking about nationals...
