Twenty-one swimmers from Tavistock Swimming Club took part in a gala hosted by Devonport Royal Swimming Association last weekend. There was a wide range of experience, from those with five or more years’ racing under their belt to one competing from the first time, but mutual support eased the nerves and everyone went home with either a personal best or a medal.
The first timer was Phoebe, 8, who had a mishap with her goggles in her first race but showed character and maturity in putting the experience behind her and swimming herself to a silver medal in the 50m freestyle. Sophia, 9, improved on her 50m breaststroke time by an astonishing 24.82 seconds. Another swimmer who impressed was Saoirse, 10, who was there because her performance at the Primary Schools Swimmer Gala organised by the club had caught the eye of the coaches. This was her first competition beyond Meadowlands and she produced four excellent swims.
Five events were on offer (50m butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle and 100m individual medley) and four swimmers (Cora, Megan, Lucia and Olivia) achieved personal bests in all of them. Medallists were Scarlett (two silvers and a bronze), Phoebe (one silver), Leo (one gold, one silver), Ollie (one silver), Ellie (one bronze), Cora (one bronze), Megan (two bronzes), Olivia (a silver and a bronze) and Rosie (one silver). Fifteen swimmers also achieved club speed awards, given to those in Y7 or below who achieve specified standards, with Cora, Beth, Lily, Lottie and Olivia each making a clean sweep of five gold speed awards across five events.
Very well done to everyone and thank you to Gareth, for coaching, and to all the parents who helped.
