A weekend filled with team spirit, outstanding performances and unforgettable memories ends with Surrey swimmers achieving their best-ever result – a sensational second place – at the National County Team Championships in Sheffield, writes team manager Hannah Davies
The adventure began on a beautiful October afternoon as 26 selected county swimmers boarded the coach bound for Sheffield. Spirits were high as friendships were strengthened, new ones were formed and anticipation grew for the weekend ahead.
After arriving at the hotel and being allocated their rooms, the team enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner before settling in for an evening of team building, laughter and competition.
One of the most important traditions of the weekend was the announcement of the team captains. Congratulations to Samuel H (Guildford City) and Delilah (Haslemere) for being selected, who both embraced the role with enthusiasm and maturity throughout the event.
Adding to the excitement was the presentation of county colours to our newest representatives. An incredible 12 swimmers were experiencing team selection here for the first time, highlighting the bright future of Surrey swimming.
The evening entertainment featured quizzes, dingbats and plenty of laughs as swimmers competed fiercely for the highly sought-after Percy Pig prizes. Watching the coaches and team managers silently mouthing questions proved almost as entertaining as the competition itself.
The next morning, the team gathered in their distinctive harlequin jerseys for the traditional photograph before transforming themselves for the journey to Ponds Forge. Garlands, tutus, jester hats and pom-poms ensured Surrey arrived in style, while face paints in the county’s blue and yellow colours completed the look.
Even coach Dan found himself becoming part of the artwork as enthusiastic swimmers made sure he was decorated from the head down in Surrey colours.
When the grand parade began Surrey made a truly memorable entrance. Proudly led by captains Samuel and Delilah, the team received a huge reception from the crowd and set the tone for what would become an unforgettable day.
As racing got underway, Surrey quickly began collecting valuable points.
The first podium finish came courtesy of Oliver (SouthWest LondonFin) in the open/male 12/13 100m breaststroke, closely followed by Sophia’s (Leatherhead) third-place finish in the female 14/15 100m butterfly.
The team’s first maximum-points-score arrived in event nine when Erin (Leatherhead) delivered a sensational victory in the female 12/13 100m freestyle, narrowly missing the magical one-minute barrier with a superb 1:00.02.
The excitement around the pool was growing with every event as we climbed the leaderboard. We were ninth, then eighth, then seventh!
The swimmers followed every scoreboard update attentively, realising that something special might be unfolding.
By halfway, Surrey’s relay teams were making their mark. A standout performance came from the female 12/13 medley relay team of Hadley, Chloe and Anna (Guildford City), brilliantly anchored by Erin to secure a magnificent second place.
Following the interval, Surrey returned with even greater determination.
Hadley claimed third in the female 12/13 100m backstroke before Poppy (Guildford City) produced one of the performances of the meet, breaking her own junior county record in the female 14/15 100m freestyle with a stunning 55.73.
Momentum continued to build as Joshua (Woking) powered to second place in the open/male 14/15 100m freestyle, while our swimmers consistently delivered top-ten finishes to keep the county firmly in contention.
Then came another standout moment. In the female 12/13 100m butterfly, Anna dominated the field, taking maximum points with an exceptional winning margin of more than two seconds in a time of 1:04.12.
With each race completed, Surrey continued to climb the standings, battling among the top teams and moving between third and fifth overall.
As the championships entered their final stages, excitement and tension reached new heights.
The open/male 12/13 medley relay team of Gabriel (Leatherhead), Oliver, George (Guildford City) and Henry (Reed’s) fought brilliantly for third place, helping Surrey maintain their top-three position overall.
Everything would now come down to the final event: the squadron freestyle relay.
By this stage, Surrey had moved into second place and knew only a disqualification could deny them a historic finish.
Every takeover mattered. Joshua… safe. Ella… safe. Erin… safe. Oliver… safe. Poppy… safe.
Then it was all down to captain Samuel. The entire Surrey team held their breath. SAFE!
The result was confirmed. Surrey had finished second – the highest in the county’s history.
The celebrations that followed reflected not only the achievement in the pool but everything the team had accomplished together throughout the weekend.
While the placings were remarkable, what stood out most was the behaviour, attitude and support shown by every swimmer.
They encouraged one another, represented Surrey with pride, showed respect to hotel staff and members of the public and demonstrated exactly what it means to be part of a county team. They were a credit to themselves, their clubs and county swimming.
A huge thank you must go to Justine and Amanda, our team managers, and Carole and Christina, our officials, all of whom gave up their weekend as volunteers to make this experience possible.
Special thanks also go to Dan and Sadie, whose energy, dedication and coaching expertise helped inspire the team throughout the weekend.
The weekend simply could not happen without volunteers willing to give their time for our swimmers, and Surrey County Swimming is incredibly grateful for everything they do.
Most importantly, congratulations to every swimmer who wore the county colours with pride. You didn’t just make history, you earned it.
The results can be found here.
Hannah Davies