Abingdonian 2018

36 The Abingdonian Swimming The Swimming Club has had yet another successful season. Led by Head Coach Amanda Ford, all age groups have continued to compete both nationally and locally with some terrific achievements, and the school has progressed on the ESSA circuit. In addition to the competitive swimming program, long course-training trips and the collaborative swimming partnership with Fitzharry’s have continued for the second year, both schools working in synergy to develop swimmers from across the ability spectrum. ESSA Secondary Relays National Finals 2017 To qualify for the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) finals held at the Olympic pool in London, Abingdon had to be placed in the top 30 in the country. The intermediate team of Nicholas Skelton, Daniel McNamara, Rory King and Josh Roche had qualified fifth fastest for the 4x50m medley and tenth fastest for the 4x50m freestyle. The senior team of Simon Chester, Silas Gill, Kai Miles and Scott Yap had qualified 29th for the 4x50m freestyle. The intermediate boys medley team was first up with some tough opposition from the likes of Millfield, Mount Kelly and Plymouth College - schools whose sporting and swimming academies are internationally recognised. The team qualified in 11th, just outside a place in the final. Later, in the freestyle relay, the boys qualified in eighth place and later in the final the team held onto eighth place against strong opposition with strong swims. The team are now ranked eighth fastest in the country. Next came the turn of the senior boys, with the teams qualifying 20th separated by less than 0.60 of a second so racing was going to be close. The boys did not qualify for the final, but they quickly perked up when they realised they had risen six places in the rankings and are now 23rd in the country. A terrific effort, and another progressive performance for all involved. Warwick 50’s On what was their first outing for the school for many, the U12 and U13 swimming squads attended the Warwick 50’s, in a fast paced and challenging competition. They didn’t come away with any silverware, but did represent the