St Mary's Calne
2023 ended on a well-deserved high note for St Mary’s Swim Team, with many remarkable swimming achievements! The last two months have seen competitions against Stonar, Downe House, Dauntseys, Godolphin, Monkton Coombe and Kingswood. There were a substantial number of wins at each event, showing depth of talent within the Swim Team. Many pupils were exposed to their first experience of competitive swimming and took to it like proverbial 'ducks to water'!
Several swimmers demonstrated remarkable individual performances for their respective swimming clubs, competing in external galas with outstanding results:
Flo P (LV) competed at the Calne Open Meet. Her overall medal count reflected her strong performances - 4 x Gold, 2 x Silver and 3 x Bronze medals were achieved from the 10 events she completed. She also produced a solid PB time in the 200m Individual Medley.
Flo B (UIV) was recently selected to swim in Sheffield for Wiltshire at the Inter Counties, followed by a cracking meet in Bournemouth. The winter swim meet was full of stiff competition and showcased Flo’s immense talent and determination as she achieved PBs in the 50m Free, 200m Free and the 200m Individual Medley, falling just shy of her fastest ever 100m Free time, securing 1 x Gold, 2 x Silver and 1 x Bronze medals from four events in the process.
Ava (MIV) swam at the Trowbridge Club Championships, monopolising all seven events she entered. Not to be outdone, little sister Isla (St Margaret's) won 4 x Gold medals too! Needless to say, the club presentation evening was exciting for this family, collecting medals galore and an impressive array of silverware!
Isabella (MIV) competed in the National Schools Southwest Biathlon held at Millfield. Isabella produced PBs in the 100m swim and the 1600m run. Her excellent performances saw her finish in a very presentable 15th place.
Eugenie (LV) competed in the Pony Club Tetrathlon, improving her timed swim distance considerably.
Students who have achieved Personal Best times for Autumn Term:
LIV - The year group as a whole have made huge improvements in one way or another. Emilia particularly, improving times every time she has competed.
MIV - Ava, Isabella, Miya, Laura, Mia, Bea M, Georgia, Ami and Jemima.
UIV - Flo B, Tara, Ailey, Mathilda, Layo, Taggie, and Silver.
LV - Flo P, Nara, and Clementine M.
UV - Halia.
LVI - Molly, Hettie, Bea, and Hilary.
UVI - Lottie, Beam, Eva, Belle, and Sophie.
School Records for Autumn Term:
UIV - Flo B; 100m Individual Medley, 50m Butterfly, and 50m Freestyle.
LV - Flo P; 100m Individual Medley and 50m Backstroke.
LV - Nara; 50m Freestyle.
UVI - Eva; 50m Breaststroke
As a coach, it is not only the competitors’ individual achievements that stand out and make me proud, but also their teamwork, camaraderie, and support for each other over all age groups. These attributes are why St Mary’s swimming is such a positive place for those that wish to improve.
Merry Christmas!!
Mrs Nikki Harris, Swimming Coach