Swimmers Round off a Fantastic Year of Success

Pupils at King’s Worcester have topped off an incredible year of swimming with yet more accolades, both in the pool and in open water.

King’s Swimmers Secure County Title

Three King’s Worcester pupils were selected to represent Worcestershire at the prestigious Three Counties Swimming Gala, held at the 2022 Commonwealth Games pool at Sandwell Aquatics Centre on 5th July.

Lower Years pupils Thea E, Harry C and Sam M were all selected by the Worcester County Swimming Association to compete against the strongest swimmers from Staffordshire and Gloucestershire. This annual gala brings together the fastest swimmers aged 10–16 from the three counties to compete in a range of individual events across Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley, alongside the 4 x 50m Freestyle and Medley relay events.

King’s representation extended across the Foundation, with Bertie W from King’s St. Alban’s also earning county selection following his recent success at the IAPS National Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre.

Unfortunately, Sam and Harry were both unable to compete due to injury and prior availability. However, Thea and Bertie produced outstanding performances, both recording personal best times in their individual events before playing key roles in Worcestershire’s relay teams.

The standard of competition was exceptionally high, with Worcestershire sitting in second place for much of the afternoon. However, a superb series of relay performances in the closing stages saw the county overturn the deficit and secure the overall team title when the final points were announced. Thea and Bertie can both be immensely proud of the contribution they made to Worcestershire’s success.

Congratulations to Thea, Harry, Sam and Bertie on their county selection, with Thea and Bertie also receiving their Worcestershire representative badge, exclusive county swimming shirt and the much sought-after county swimmer’s hat in recognition of their achievement.

Open Water Success for Sam and Thea

King’s swimmers Sam M and Thea E have recently delivered outstanding performances in open water swimming recently.

Although Sam was understandably disappointed to miss the Three Counties Gala after breaking his wrist the previous week, he has already enjoyed an outstanding summer of success.

Last month, Sam claimed the bronze medal in the 2km event in his age group at the 2026 West Midlands Open Water Championships, held at the Cotswold Water Park on Sunday 21st June. Competing in his first-ever open water race, Sam produced a superb performance to finish third and secure qualification for the Swim England National Open Water Age Group Championships.

Thea also took on the challenge of the West Midlands Open Water Championships, demonstrating great determination in an event that presents a very different test from pool racing. Although she is currently too young to qualify for the National Age Group Championships, with qualification only available from the 13 years age group upwards, Thea produced an excellent performance and gained more valuable experience in championship open water swimming.

Everyone at King’s Worcester wishes Sam a speedy recovery from his wrist injury and the very best of luck when he competes in the slightly longer 3km distance at the Swim England National Open Water Age Group Championships at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield, on 25th July. We also congratulate Thea on embracing a new challenge and look forward to seeing both swimmers continue to build on their recent successes.