Lower Years Shine Again at Warwick School 50m Sprints Gala

Twenty-two King’s pupils from the Lower Years travelled to Warwick last Thursday to compete in Warwick School’s annual 50m Sprints Gala.

The event brought together some exceptionally strong swimming teams from across the Midlands, including King Edward’s School, Warwick School, Nottingham High School, Warwick Prep School, King’s High School, Princethorpe College, Edgbaston High, Warwick Junior School, Alcester Grammar, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, King Edwards High School for Girls, Bedford Grammar and RGS Worcester.

Representing the King’s Worcester Swimming Academy, the pupils, who train in our school pool before and/or after school on different days and times during the week, formed competitive U12 and U13 teams, with such strength in depth that KSW was also able to field two teams in the U12 Girls category.

Across an action-packed afternoon, the swimmers rose to the challenge, putting their diving, turns and relay changeover skills into excellent practice. Pupils competed in the 100m Individual Medley and all four strokes, as well as the 4 × 50m Freestyle and Medley relays. Every swimmer took part in at least two events, contributing to a superb team effort.

The King’s squads enjoyed tremendous success, returning home with three trophies from the four teams entered. The U13 Boys were simply outstanding, comfortably winning every single event to finish 1st overall. The U12 Boys and U13 Girls also produced excellent results, while the U12 Girls’ team matched the U13 boys’ achievements by also securing 1st place – a fantastic accomplishment for such a young squad. These performances meant that King’s also claimed the combined U12 and U13 Boys’ trophy for the second consecutive year.

There were many impressive individual swims, with a number of personal bests achieved in both the 50m sprints and the 100m Individual Medley. Notable victories included:

• Ellie R – 50m Freestyle and 100m Individual Medley
• Pippa P – 50m Backstroke
• Thea E – 50m Breaststroke
• Helena – 50m Freestyle
• Teddy C – 50m Freestyle
• Sam M – 50m Butterfly
• Matthew P – 50m Breaststroke
• Harry C – 50m Backstroke and 100m Individual Medley

Several other King’s swimmers also secured top-three finishes, contributing valuable points to the team standings. Relay success rounded off the afternoon, with both the U13 Boys once again winning their Freestyle and Medley relays, demonstrating excellent teamwork, precision and determination.

A huge well done to all the pupils who competed and represented King’s so impressively: Ariya R, Olivia G, Izzy R, Thea E, Scarlett W, Pippa P, Rosie W, Ellie R, Alfie E, Charles C, Noah L, James B, Noah B, Amelia B, Fliss T, Helena C, Shreya V, Sam M, Jonas H, Matthew P, Teddy C and Harry C. Their commitment, effort and enthusiasm made it a memorable and highly successful gala for King’s Worcester.