AQUATICS GB SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024
Aquatics GB Summer Swimming Championships 2024
Sheffield once again set the stage for Britain's premier swimming event, where the Poole SC team, composed of seven determined athletes, showcased their prowess. Throughout the competition, the team experienced highs and lows, advancing numerous swimmers to the finals and setting a new senior Dorset and Club Record.
Day 2
Following the distance events on Day 1 (where Poole SC did not have any qualifiers at this level), our athletes kicked off their meet on Day 2. Freddie demonstrated fearless racing and cut 1.7 seconds off his previous personal best in the 100m Breaststroke, catapulting five spots to finish 12th in his age group.
While battling return from illness, Ollie managed a respectable 20th in the Open Age Group in the 100m Breaststroke. Charlie M also shone by setting a season's best in the 50m Backstroke, landing 16th in the same category.
With no finals, the team chilled in the games room of the accommodation and enjoyed Freddies "Go FASTER PASTA" meal.
Day 3
Halle and Charlie struck 20th place in the 100m Backstroke. Although Halle was not at her peak, Charlie recorded a season's best. Freddie excelled in the 50m Breaststroke heats, securing 14th place. Another evening with no finals, this time saw a Music Quiz and Pictionary, after a Charlie’s Cheesy Chipolata Pasta meal together.
Day 4
Intensity surged on Day 4 and then Jes powered through the 200m Fly heats, securing 7th place for Poole’s first final, while Halle made a swift 5th place finish in the 50m Free heats, to secure her spot for the final, too. Ollie faced the 400m IM, where realistic expectations was to hold improved skills around turns, under race pressure, where he finished 20th in the open age group.
The finals saw Jes go out fearlessly and valiantly hold onto her 7th position, giving everything in the last 50m, with Halle in the 50m Free final stepping up and narrowly missing a medal and securing an impressive 4th place.
Day 5
The team's momentum continued into Day 5, with first-timer at this level Leo C making an impressive debut in the 200m Breaststroke, shaving off 2 seconds for a new personal best that landed him 23rd in his double age category. (he was second in his age). Freddie continued to dazzle, securing 5th place for the final in the same event also gaining a personal best. Ollie, again swam through the races with expectations around technique and earned 19th place. Jes missed the final in the 50m Fly by just a fraction, finishing 11th.
In the finals session, Freddie walked out with confidence and worked on his strengths from the heat to secure another personal best, and maintain his 5th place position. The time was quicker with 5 less strokes than the heat!
Day 6
Halle took 19th in the 100m Freestyle and, showing great resolve, a couple of hours later posted a season’s best in the 50m Backstroke to qualify 7th for the final. Hugo entered the meet and remarkably soared 17 places to qualify 10th in the 50m Free final.
In the evening finals, Halle impressively climbed to 5th place, reclaiming the Dorset and Club Senior Record in the 50m Backstroke she had held once before, temporarily lending into to former teammate Catherine. Hugo repeated his heat performance to consolidate the 10th-place position.
Day 7
The final day saw Hugo continue his ascent, setting another personal best in the 50m Fly to finish 14th, moving up 6th places. Jes captured the spotlight with a new personal best in the 100m Fly, earning a thrilling third-place qualification for the evening’s finals.
In the evening final, in a super close race, Jes went out with a time similar to the 50m time earlier in the week, and came back strong to to secure a brilliant personal best. The final position was 6th place
Summary
With varying expectations shaped by recent choices in education and training, our athletes exhibited remarkable courage and focus, giving their best performances under pressure. Their exceptional team spirit and mutual support made them a delight to coach, and we eagerly anticipate the discipline required next season as we fervently strive to make the medal table.
A big thank you to Team Managers Bev and Gemma for arranging accommodation and supporting the team so kindly and supportive during the week. Well done athletes and coaches.
