On Sunday 21st January 2018, the London Aquatics Centre, in Stratford, provided the breath-taking venue for this year's National ISA Swimming Championships. Swimmers from the seven counties competed to become champions, not only of their own individual races but also to be crowned champions of England. Seven regions had held their respective area events and from them, emerged a national qualifier for each event; 80 in total which equated to a remarkable 300 children from 8-19 years old and in total, over 100 schools were represented.
The event presented an opportunity for the top swimmers in the country, each an extraordinary athlete in their own right, to demonstrate their talents on the biggest stage: the Olympic Pool. We were one of the few schools who had more than one swimmer qualify, we had 5! A fantastic achievement for a small preparatory school. Our remarkable swimmers, so enthusiastic, had to calm their nerves, enjoy the moment and treasure the memory, whatever the result.
First up was Logan Cooper, Year 4 Boys 50m Breaststroke. Logan swan a very valiant race placing 6th with his time, 1:04.06. Next was Michael Wu, his second time to represent the region at the finals. Michael swam a close race in the Year 5 Boys 50m Freestyle finishing 4th, 36.12. After a long wait first time qualifier was Ruby Sims who swam as part of the Year 4 Girls 200m Freestyle Team. The team won a silver medal with a super time of 2:53.36. Another first-time swimmer was Elleon Casson, who again was the fastest qualifier in the regionals and swam as part of the Year 4 Boys 200m Freestyle Team. Elleon and his team came away with a bronze medal, with a time of 3:01.41. Our very own champion Ruby Webb, who also competed at the final last year, once again qualified with a fastest individual time at the regionals to make up the Year 5 Girls 200m Freestyle Team. Ruby Webb and her team excelled in the race, awarding them with a silver with an impressive time of 2:26.05. Finally, our own pocket rocket, Michael Wu was swimming his second race of the day- part of the Year 5 Boys 200m Freestyle Team. Michael and his team didn’t disappoint and provided Team North with another silver medal, 2:35.37
It was a long, but exciting, day which produced more national champions, some of whom were lucky enough to be presented with their medals by Paralympian Ryan Crouch. An enthralling atmosphere was maintained throughout.
Ms. Forster was extremely proud of all of our children who took part as they were model representatives of the school.