In a remarkable display of talent and teamwork, seven pupils from Talbot Heath school secured prestigious spots in the ISA Southwest team at the Regional Qualifying Meet earlier this term. The girls travelled to London with high hopes and aspirations, and they did not disappoint, read on to find out who broke records and returned as National Champions and Medallists…
Leading the charge was Caidee S, who emerged as the ISA National Champion in the 50m Breaststroke, fighting hard especially in the last 10m to claim to the win. Hot on her heels, Polina K clinched an impressive silver medal in the 50m Butterfly. The duo joined forces with their teammates to dominate both the 4 x 50m Medley and 4 x 50m Freestyle Relays, smashing the Championship Records in both events. The Southwest team in this female year group had the most impressive display out of any age group across the whole competition, as their performances saw them amass a staggering 41 out of 42 available points, leaving their closest rivals trailing by a remarkable 14 points.
In the year above, Florence C showcased her ever-improving talent, securing four podium finishes: in her individual events Florence earned silver in the 50m Freestyle and impressive bronze in the 50m Backstroke with a huge personal best time. Florence then made strong contributions to relay teams that achieved silver in the 4 x 50m Medley Relay and bronze in the 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay. Florence contributed to her female year group being the second highest-placed region.
Competing in a double-year bracket, Daria K and Victoria H, who fall in the younger end of the bracket, also turned in commendable performances. Victoria earned a respectable 4th place in the 100m Breaststroke, while Daria secured 5th in the 100m Freestyle and 6th in the 50m Butterfly. Daria also swam a strong leg in the 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, which finished 5th. Together, they contributed to the Medley Relay team that finished 7th, helping the Year 9/10 girls clinch an admirable 5th place overall out of all regions.
In the senior age category (Years 11 to 13), Erin M claimed 5th place in both the 200 Individual Medley and the 100m Backstroke, and Scarlett C added to the tally with a 6th-place finish in the 100m Freestyle. The pair collaborated in the 4 x 50m Medley and Freestyle Relay, where the teams finished 5th in both of these events. Overall, the Year 11 to 13 girls also rounded out their campaign in 5th place.
The Talbot Heath girls delivered an impressive collective performance, which contributed to the Southwest team’s finishing 5th overall out of eight regions.
TH Swimming Coach, Mr Alldrick, commented, “It was humbling to observe the pupils not only cultivating their confidence as part of a bigger team, but mastering the ability to perform at higher levels whilst showing us a mature approach to race craft, leading to these outstanding successes. We are super proud.”
However, the swimmers were not the only heroes of the day; special thanks go to Team Manager Mrs. Salmond and driver Mr. Korotkova, who navigated a lively journey home after the event. Gratitude also extends to all the volunteers who played a vital role in this fantastic achievement.
By Talbot Heath Swimming Academy
