Recent News / Events
RHS Girls at National Schools Swimming Final
Wed 23 Jun, 2010
On Saturday 19th June, 4 girls from the Royal High Junior School took part in the National Schools Swimming finals in Ponds Forge, Sheffield.
After travelling up on the Friday evening, the girls seemed well rested and ready for the day ahead...
Breakfast saw a full meal of carbohydrates to ensure enough energy for the water familiarisation in the morning. During the session, the girls practiced their stroke work, change-over’s and diving; the first time they had completed this together! Looking in fine form, they left the arena happy with their efforts and to refuel for the afternoon competition.
As the Competition began, the team (Alex H., Alex W., Izzy and Iso) followed their division 5 flag into position and sang the national anthem. In an arena packed with spectators, the atmosphere was electrifying and one that the girls embraced with great pride. Soon after the introductions came the race…
Event 11 was called, the girls stood proud in lane 8. Waiting anxiously for the starter to prepare the race, the girls were focussed and knew the challenge that they were faced with. As the hooter went, Alex H. was the first to set off in the first leg of backstroke. Producing a stunning time, the change-over to Alex W. was sensational, allowing her to complete the breaststroke leg in record time and leaving us in 2nd place at the half way stage. Izzy then beautifully dived in, to start the third leg of butterfly, making it look effortless throughout. Completing the final change-over, Iso swam the team home in breathtaking style to give the team a 5th place overall in a record time of 1.14.26. The time was good enough to place the girls into the ‘B’ final, which took place 10 minutes later…
As the girls lined up to race for the final time, they were overwhelmed at their achievement and were looking forward to improving their performance. In the same order, they completed the race, with parents and staff encouraging them from the stands. Although a slightly slower time of 1.15.90, the girls were outstanding. Their times meant that they were awarded 16th place overall in the UK Schools rankings; an unbelievable achievement!
The girls were exemplary on the day, and really did themselves and their school proud. Well done!
Many thanks especially to the parents who accompanied the team for all of their support and encouragement on the day and their willingness to travel the country to support their daughters! You were truly inspirational and we couldn’t have got here without you! Your efforts in cheering so loudly from the stands was greatly appreciated and heard by all! An excellent team effort, all round
An 
A 