Surrey swimmers’ sensational performances lead to a breathtaking finale at the National County Team Championships in Sheffield, writes team manager Hannah Davies
After a thrilling team-building day in late September, learning to drum like warriors, the county swimming team set off for Sheffield on a glorious, sunny October day. Surrey had big shoes to fill as last year we finished fifth, equalling our highest ranking since 2002.
After arriving at the hotel and allocating rooms, our swimmers were able to rest and prepare for the competition the next day. The girls chose a calming activity of painting their nails in the blue and yellow county colours. I won’t tell you what the boys got up to. Then it was time for dinner, a team talk and lights out.
After breakfast the next morning, donning our distinguished harlequin tops, the official team photo was taken on the hotel steps – and thankfully everyone could be seen in it.
When we got to our allocated seating at the pool, kitted out with tutus, garlands and matching jester hats, the swimmers got to work on their face painting. Coaches, team managers and swimmers all joined in the team spirit and wore the blue and yellow Surrey colours with pride.
The meet is split into two divisions competing simultaneously. Division One swims nearest the scoreboard and Division Two nearest the diving pool.
The competition is preceded with a parade of teams in alphabetical order. Surrey walked out proudly led by our captains, Alexander (Leander) and Sophie (Woking), to the biggest cheer by far. Not that I’m biased. After a few dance numbers, where Surrey proved they definitely had the moves, the main event arrived. The swimming!
Many future Olympians and British junior team members were out in force representing their counties and we knew the competition would be fierce.
Surrey competed in Division One to deafening noise levels, blasting air horns, drums and vuvuzelas right the way through the meet. The county chant, led by Joe (Guildford City), echoed around the pool.
It didn’t take long for the swimmers to show they were on fire. Gisella (Guildford City) and Charlie (Guildford City) swam massive short course PBs, both finishing fifth in the 12/13 100m breaststroke, which added to the Surrey total points score.
After a few races we recorded our first top-three spot. Aidan (Sutton & Cheam) romped to third in the 14/15 100m butterfly in 56.64. Max (Reed’s) won maximum points in the 14/15 100m breaststroke in a blistering time of 1:02.36. That was followed by the female 12/13 200m medley relay team of Gisella, Ami (Leatherhead), Scarlett (Guildford City) and Alexandra (Woking).
In the open/male 14/15 200m medley relay, Aidan and Max were joined by Aquiles (Elmbridge Phoenix) and Jack (Reed’s), who showed great strength and gained maximum points.
At the halfway stage Surrey sat in seventh, having pulled off an impressive 10 PBs. More top-three places followed in the second half of the gala.
In the 12/13 100m backstroke and butterfly, Scarlett finished second and third respectively. Alexander (Whitgift) came third in the 16/17 100m breaststroke. In the 14/15 100m backstroke, Tegan (Guildford City) and Aidan both secured top spots and maximum points, touching in at 1:03.24 and 57.13 respectively.
With just the final set of relays to go, the rolling points on the scoreboard were turned off. Producing another top three were the female 14/15 200m medley relay team of Tegan, Holly (Guildford City), Delilah (Haslemere) and Ellie (Sutton & Cheam).
After a thrilling squadron freestyle relay, the final team points were announced. Surrey had added a further eight PBs to their tally.
But could we really beat the fifth place from last year? Yes, of course. Third! What an achievement! This was the best result Surrey has placed in more than two decades, and we think even going as far back as the 1970s.
County coach Stuart McCrea said: “This was a phenomenal performance from everyone involved. It was amazing to see swimmers from a range of clubs and backgrounds come together and really get behind their team-mates.”
Well done to the swimmers on this amazing result – you all played your part in the team’s success.
Huge thanks also to our volunteer support staff of assistant coach Sergiu Chete (Guildford City), official Justin Bridge (Dulwich Dolphins) and assistant team manager Amanda Partridge (Epsom District).
The results are available here.
Hannah Davies