ISA NATIONAL SWIMMING FINALS

management of the London North team! It was nice to see him again and hear about his exciting time at university.

This year, there were three of us from Wetherby Senior attending the ISA National Swimming Finals: myself, Oliver B and Johnny R. It was Oliver’s first time representing our School at the finals, and it was wonderful getting to know him better. As an ISA National ‘veteran’, and a fellow club swimmer, Johnny was in his element. We spent time discussing club swimming and the virtues of his Chelsea and Westminster club vs my Camden Swiss Cottage club, (we all know my club is better!) but we left any competition behind as we were now both swimming for London North.

Last year, I competed in the 50-meter breastroke and 50-meter freestyle individual categories, and the medley and freestyle team relays. This year, I raced in the 50-meter breaststroke and the 50-meter butterfly individual categories.

This year, I kept up with my medals, winning a gold and a silver in my individual races. However, what was very special, was getting a new ISA national swimming record for the 50-meter breaststroke in the Year 8 boys category. I was simply buzzing when I found out! I felt I had reached a special milestone in my four-year ISA National Swimming Finals journey. I hope this is the first of many such records I set.

As well as getting an ISA national swimming record, I raced in the 50-meter butterfly category, finishing with a time of 30.94, just 0.05 seconds away from first place. Even though I did not get gold in my race, I was proud of myself, and I think I will go back there next year hungry for another stash of medals.

I am once again thankful to Mr Fuller for this opportunity. He and our Wetherby Senior Sports Department have been a tremendous help in supporting me with my swimming training.