Cobwebs shaken off, the Portland partygoers were ready for action. This time it was our youngest crew (Cecily, Orla, Rose, Matilda) that started the night, showing us that hard training across the board is paying off with some impressive progress in stroke technique and racing acumen.
Every swim warrants a mention but as usual here are the special mentions:
Joseph Tuffin for his first competitive gala and for overcoming the dreaded goggle gremlin in a brave 50m freestyle and coming back to swim a strong last leg in the medley relay.
Andrew Tsolakis and Ethan Pywell for stepping in at the last moment to replace Dan Hardy, as well as swim their own events. This meant 9 swims for Andrew, 6 for Ethan and a lot of jumping out quickly at the end of one race to make it for the start of the next!
Mark Lowes, another busy swimmer, who demonstrated just how much his commitment to training is paying off with 7 strong swims but, in particular, a county qualifying time in the 50m Fly, a storming 50m freestyle and a finishing leg of the cannon that brought the final placing right down to the wire.
Eve Gallagher for a fighting last leg in the 50m freestyle relay to bring the girls home in 3rd place.
Rebecca Phillips, Archie Symes and Alice Mulligan for notable first places – Rebecca for, as ever, setting the example as club captain both in the pool and out; Archie for a 50m backstroke in a county qualifying time – congratulations Archie; Alice for the swim of the evening, winning the 12/u 50m freestyle when she’s only just 11!
Amelia Tsolakis for proving that not breathing is definitely the way forward!
The final result was an overall 5th but this was a night of hard work and, as always, amazing team spirit. Thanks to all swimmers, supporters and poolside helpers. Get well soon Dan!
