Record-Breaking Feats at Short Course Winter Regional Championships

In a dazzling display of aquatic prowess, the short course winter regional championships held at Millfield School from November 3rd to 5th, 2023, witnessed an outstanding showcase of talent and determination. The event saw remarkable performances, with several swimmers breaking age group club records and clinching well-deserved medals. Not only this, but Olympic Champions James Guy and Matt Richards were also competing at the Championships, which was a fantastic experience for all to see.

Boys Club Captain Fred Carter's Phenomenal Four-A Final Feat

Boys Club Captain Fred Carter (16) had some outstanding performances, making waves in not one but four A finals—namely, the 50m, 100m, 200m Breaststroke, and 100m Individual Medley. In an impressive display of skill and determination, Carter not only secured his place in the finals but went on to set new age group club records in the 16 years age category for the 200m Breaststroke and 100m Individual Medley. His noteworthy finishes included a 4th place in the 50m Breaststroke and a 5th place in the 100m Breaststroke.

Lucas Carter's Junior Excellence in B Finals

Lucas Carter (15), at just 15 years old, showcased his exceptional talent by making three B finals in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke and 100m Individual Medley. Competing against the top 16 swimmers in the South West, Carter's stellar performance earned him 1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal in the 15/under age group category for the 50m and 100m Breaststroke and 100m Individual Medley. Additionally, he set a new age group club record in the 15 years age category for the 50m Backstroke.

Sophie King's Mighty Achievements

Sophie King (14), despite being in the 15/under (Junior) category, left an indelible mark on the championships. Qualifying for the B finals in the 200m Breaststroke and 100m Individual Medley, King achieved a monumental feat by finishing in the top 16 overall in the South West. Notably, her exceptional performance in the 200m Breaststroke earned her a bronze medal in the 15/under age group category. King also left her mark on the record books by setting new age group club records in the 50m and 200m Breaststroke, 100m and 200m Individual Medley, and an open club record in the 50m Breaststroke.

Eva Higginbotham and Jess Smith Shine in Records

Adding to the Junior success, Eva Higginbotham (14) set new age group club records in the 14 years age group category for her stellar performances in the 50m and 100m Freestyle events. Although narrowly missing out on final positions, her outstanding showing earned her a bronze medal in the 100m Freestyle. Meanwhile, Jess Smith (16) made her mark with a 16 years age group club record in the 200m Freestyle, securing a spot in the B final.

Megan Watts' Leadership and Record-Setting Performance

Girls Club Captain Megan Watts (15) demonstrated leadership and skill by making the B final in the 200m Butterfly despite being a junior. Watts also set a new 15 years age group club record in the 50m Butterfly, further contributing to the team's impressive overall performance.

A Stellar Supporting Cast

Also competing at the Championships were Farrleigh Greaves (15), Phoebe Kerley (12), Betina Puszkarska (13), Etta Crowley (14), Lily Hunt (15), Gethin Jenks (13), and Sophie Leonard (15), adding depth and diversity to the club's lineup.

The short course winter regional championships undoubtedly proved to be a spectacle of record-breaking achievements and outstanding athletic prowess, solidifying the swimmers' places as rising stars in the South West swimming scene.

Anticipation Builds for Swim England National Winter Championships 2023

As the echoes of success from the short course winter regional championships linger, Swindon Dolphin eagerly anticipates the upcoming Swim England National Winter Championships 2023. Set to unfold at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield over December 14–17, 2023, this prestigious event will see Swindon Dolphin's finest athletes take centre stage.

• Fred Carter: 50m and 100m Breaststroke

• Lucas Carter: 50m and 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 100m Individual Medley

• Sophie King: 50m, 100m, and 200m Breaststroke, 100m Individual Medley

• Megan Watts: 50m Butterfly

• Ffion Mathias: 50m Breaststroke

As the athletes gear up for the national stage, Swindon Dolphin's journey towards excellence marches on and we remain optimistic that their talent and dedication will continue to make waves in the South West and Nationally.