King’s Welcomes RGS Worcester to Swimming Gala

Twenty-four dedicated swimmers from Years 7 and 8 represented King’s at a friendly swimming gala against RGS Worcester on June 13^th.

Held at the King’s Worcester pool, this was a particularly special event — the first senior school ‘home’ swimming gala hosted by King’s in several years.

The gala provided an excellent opportunity for our pupils to put into practice the skills they’ve worked hard to develop during the King’s Worcester Swimming Academy training sessions throughout this academic year. It was also a valuable experience for pupils who are not regular club swimmers, but who enjoy swimming, to take part in their first competitive gala. The atmosphere was welcoming and encouraging, with the emphasis on participation, experience, and enjoyment.

Four team categories competed: Under 12 Girls, Under 12 Boys, Under 13 Girls, and Under 13 Boys. Due to some Year 8 pupils being unavailable because of injuries or the French trip, several Year 7 pupils were given the opportunity to ‘swim up’ into older age groups. All of these pupils rose to the occasion with energy and enthusiasm.

The competition format featured a 4 x 50m Medley Relay for each category, followed by individual 50m races in Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Front Crawl. The event concluded with the always-exciting 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay.

The standard of swimming was impressive across both schools, with some pupils achieving county and regional qualifying times. While the focus remained firmly on enjoyment and participation, the spirit of friendly competition was evident, encouraged by a lively crowd of parents and supporters. The poolside atmosphere was filled with energy, cheering, and support from both schools.

Final Results:

Under 12 Girls:
1st – KING’S A
2nd – RGS A
3rd – RGS B
4th – KING’S B

Under 12 Boys:
1st – KING’S A
2nd – RGS A
3rd – KING’S B
4th – RGS B

Under 13 Girls:
1st – RGS A
2nd – KING’S A
3rd – RGS B
4th – KING’S B

Under 13 Boys:
1st – KING’S A
2nd – KING’S B
3rd – RGS A

With King’s teams securing wins in the Under 12 Girls, Under 12 Boys, and Under 13 Boys categories, King’s Worcester emerged as the overall winner of the gala. However, the true highlight of the event was the shared spirit of sportsmanship, and the celebration of swimming itself.

The King’s Worcester Swimming Academy team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our visitors from RGS Worcester for making the event so enjoyable. As a result of its success, we look forward to holding similar galas between our schools more regularly in the next academic year.

Special thanks also go to senior school pupils Aled L, Catherine H, Grace R, and James C, who kindly volunteered their time to act as timekeepers for the event. Their support, along with the presence and enthusiasm of parents and relatives who came to cheer on the swimmers, was greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to the following pupils who represented King’s Worcester with great commitment, effort, and teamwork:

• Girls:
  Edith D, Emily H, Fliss T, Amelia B, Helena C, Shreya V, Emily S, Jess D, Lily E, Evie E-R and Stella G.
• Boys:
  Freddie P, Rowan T, Charlie M, Harry C, Teddy C, Sam M, Matthew P, Jonas H, Humphrey D, Henry W, Tom E, Bryn L and Rook T.

Well done to all involved — your strong swimming, positive attitude, and sportsmanship were a credit to the school.