An early start for 12 of our swimmers who entered into the Gloucester Sprint Meet on Sunday 20th September. All turned up for 7:30am looking half asleep after having the Summer League finals the night before.

No excuses for not liking the facilities, wow! 8 lanes, spotless pool, and the swimmers and parents had somewhere to sit where they could see all the action.

Loads of room in the warm-up, excellent marshalling and totally organised.

First up was the Boys Butterfly, 13 heats; Alyx yawning on starting block, not a good sign. 4 of the 5 boys coming away with a new PB. Tyler got a 2nd place in his age group, 4th place for Rory, well done boys.

Next was 22 heats of Girls Butterfly, that’s over 170 swimmers! Only Grace and Caitlin managing PB’s – obviously a bit early for the rest of the girls.

Boys Backstroke, 3 of 5 recording PB’s. Tyler again getting 2nd in his age group. The Girls Backstroke and they seemed more awake. 5 of 7 recording new PB’s. Annabel and Alice, taking off 4 seconds, amazing!

Last event before lunch was the Boys 100m IM, 4 of 5 PB’s. Tyler knocking 4 seconds off his time to get another silver. Tomas took off 2 seconds for a 4th place missing out on bronze by less than arms length.

The morning session complete with 17 PB’s out of 29 races. A very short and early break for lunch.

After another warm-up the afternoon session was under-way with the Girls 100m IM.

4 out of 6 PB’s. Annabel smashing a massive 10 second PB ,Caitlin 8 Second PB, Alice 3 second PB and Olivia 2 Second PB keep up the good training girls.

50m Breaststroke next and a PB of 6 secs getting 40.64 and Rory dying to tell Alyx and Tomas how close his time is to theirs, this, as you can imagine, forcing a reaction with Alyx and Tomas “he ain’t gonna beat us at breaststroke”. Did they try? Yes they did! Bronze for Tomas and a 2 second PB, a little glance after the turn and he sped right up……… no looking Mr …….. sprint to start with. A 1½ second PB for Alyx ………………… first in his heat after turn, first in his heat at the flags, you all know who Tomas was looking at, he knew he could get him especially when Alyx thinks the race finishes at the flags and not the wall.

Grace achieved Silver in her 50BR just off of her short course personal best but a fabulous swim, well done.

Good swims all round in the final event 50m Freestyle and another Silver for Tyler.

Afternoon session finished with 17 PB’s out of 29 races.

Some tough teams but well done everyone you did our club proud.

Thanks to all the officials, helpers and parents for your support.

The final round of this years summer league was hosted by Swindon ASC at Milton Road on 19th September. Scores on the night were Calne Alpha in first place with 170 points, Swindon ASC second with 135, Warminster in third place with 112 and Durrington in forth place with 77.

The night started brightly for Swindon ASC with Brad taking second and Tracey 3rd in the 4 X1  individual medley; a 2nd place for Rory and 4th for Annabel in the U12 Butterfly followed by races for Liberty and Tomas in the U16 freestyle which were too close to call. Rowan  narrowly missed out on a win in the U14 breaststroke after leading for the majority of the race.

More excitement in the U12 medley relay with the girls team of Georgia, Alicia, Annabel and Alice taking 3rd whilst the boys team of Aaron, Alex S, Rory and Max S took 2nd on the night. A battling performance by Alicia in the U12 breaststroke saw her narrowly miss out on a third place finish.

There were second placed finishes on the night for Alex in the U16’s 1 length backstroke; Jake and Beth in the U14 freestyle; Alex S in the U12 breaststroke; Olivia in the U14 fly; Tyler in the U14 backstroke and U14 fly; Emily in the 3 length open free and Grace in the U16 breaststroke.

1st place finishes went to Tomas in the U16 breaststroke; Aaron in the U12 backstroke; Rory in the U12 free; Tyler in the U14 backstroke and Sasha in the U14 backstroke. The relays saw wins for boys U16 medley team of Alyx, Tomas, Max A and Archie. The girls U14 medley team of Sasha, Rowan, Olivia and Beth. The U14 girls 4×1 freestyle team of Sasha, Regan, Olivia and Beth. The boys U16 4 X11 relay team of Archie, Max A, Alyx and Tomas.

Prior to warm-up we tried yet again to get a squad photo, where everyone was looking at the camera, with their eyes open and without a daft look on their face…

How did we do?

Thank you to all the volunteers on the night, the officials and the coaching staff; to all the parents and siblings who come along and give such wonderful support.

Swindon ASC

Congratulations Tracey Sharland on being selected to represent the county in the Intercounties masters gala to be held at Hutton Moor, Weston Super Mare on Sunday 15th November.

Tracey as well as organising our masters section, teaching, co-ordinating the Highworth pool and organising the young volunteers also makes time to swim.

Good luck
Swindon ASC

Masters swimming is arranged throughout the year and swam at various locations in 18+; 25+, 35+, 45+ 55+ and 65+ age groups. If you would like more information please contact Tracey.