After another challenging year of lockdowns and Covid restrictions, Stocksbridge Pentaqua Swimming Club is ending the year on a high after fantastic results at the recent Yorkshire Swimming Association (YSA) Winter Competition and the Swim England North East Open and Age Group Championships.
Held for the first time in 2 years, the YSA Winter Competition took place over 2 weekends in October. Almost 50% of the club’s members qualified to swim which was a fantastic achievement since competitive galas had been disrupted for over a year. Of those who competed - which included 6 lower age group swimmers who were taking part in the county championships for the very first time - a total of 18 top-ten placings were achieved across all strokes by Ursula C, George T, Mateo M, Paddy N and Finley M.
Only a matter of weeks later, Stocksbridge swimmers were back in the pool competing at a regional level at the Swim England North East Open and Age Group Championships. Twelve swimmers took part in the packed schedule of events which took place over one weekend at Ponds Forge International in Sheffield. All swimmers achieved impressive times and lots of personal bests, and 2 swimmers secured 4 top-ten placings - Mateo M and Paddy N. A fantastic achievement was also made by Finley M who swam a brilliant time in the 50m breaststroke which secured him qualification for the Swim England National Winter Championships.
Commenting on the swimmers success, Head Coach, David Wright said, “After another year of disruptions and restrictions, the results go to show what can be achieved with hard work and determination. Many of our swimmers have had their training time disrupted due to isolation rules, but they have continued to stay focused and always come back to the pool with a fighting spirit. As a small club, we are proud to have so many members achieving county and regional qualifying times; but to have swimmers achieving national qualifying times is really testament to everyone’s hard work.”
To find out more about Stocksbridge Pentaqua Swimming Club including information on how to join, visit https://www.stocksbridgepentaqua.co.uk/