King’s Swimmers Set to Make a Splash in Sandwell

For the sixth consecutive time, King’s swimming teams have qualified for the ESSA (English Schools) National Swimming Final, which are taking place this year at the Commonwealth Pool in Sandwell. This is a most prestigious annual event, with schools from all over the country competing earlier in the term to set a time on rankings. To qualify, the competitors swim a Medley and a Freestyle Relay in a qualifying round and their times are ranked nationally. Usually, it is the top 30 teams who qualify for the final but, due to a change in venue, this year it was only the top 24 that went through, which makes things even tougher! We are therefore delighted that, just like last year, this year once again three teams from King’s will take the plunge at the Nationals. 

With many larger, specialist swimming schools competing, it is even more impressive that the Years 7/8 girls qualified in 17th place in the Freestyle and are currently second reserve in the Medley. The Years 11/12/13 girls have qualified in eighteenth place in the Medley and the Years 11/12/13 boys have qualified in 21st place in the Medley and in 24th for the Freestyle; these are especially outstanding achievements, as all our boys and girls at this level are currently in Year 11, so must compete for qualification against swimmers two years older than they are. It’s great to think that we’ll be watching their continuing progress for years to come. 

Our Head of Swimming Competitions in the Senior School, Lizzie Monkhouse, added, “All our swimmers pursue a gruelling training schedule, starting early before school, fitting in other sessions after lessons have finished, with additional training at weekends and the requirement to travel around for regional events. It’s wonderful to see all that hard work and dedication rewarded with the opportunity to compete at national level.” 

 Everyone in the King’s Foundation wishes all our teams every success in the National Finals.