Skip to content ↓

Pupils' report: 2020 National Swimming Relays

On Friday 13 March, a handful of Bryanston pupils were selected to represent Bryanston at the 2020 National Swimming Relays in London. The event took place at the London Aquatics Centre in QE Olympic Park.

(L-R): Poppy S, Issy L, Zac D, Emi T, Annie S, Fiona M, Marlene C, Charlie L, Ollie C, Josh J, Sampson J.

This was the first time that the School had entered the 40+ year-old event, and understandably pupils were equally excited and nervous about the competition.

Head of Swimming Richard Johnson commented: “In our first ever entry to the National Relays and against some gargantuan opposition there were multiple PBs, miles of smiles and a positivity that I hope will inspire others in the years ahead. Well done to everyone involved.”

Fiona M’s report of the day

As the first ever Bryanston swim team to attend the Bath cup relays, it was a very exciting experience. The team morale was high throughout the whole day, and having only trained for three weeks prior, we were determined to do our best, but most importantly we came to enjoy it.

The first race was in the morning, and it was the girls’ 4 x 50 metres freestyle relay. The girls swam well, all with great technique and perseverance as they sprinted down the lane, even though we had an unfortunate disqualification due to a false start.

However, we didn’t let this affect our efforts in the afternoon race, which was the girls’ 4 x 50 metres medley relay. We had some girls doing strokes that they weren’t very confident swimming. In spite of this, they all went into it level-headed and up for the challenge. This was a superb race, with some of our swimmers gaining new PBs and gaining confidence in the strokes they were swimming. 

The boys also swam brilliantly in both the 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay and the 4 x 50 metres medley relay.

This was a great event for us as a squad, helping us gain experience as swimmers through both accuracy and errors, whilst also being very memorable, particularly when we spotted Tom Daley practising in the diving pool. A very well done to everyone involved!

Sampson J’s report of the day

After school on Thursday 12 March a group of swimmers from Bryanston set off by minibus to travel to the Olympic Park in London to compete in the English Secondary Schools’ Swimming Relays Competition.

Teams from schools across the country take part in this competition, however Bryanston has never previously competed. At first the concept of going seemed far off and not likely, but all it took to make it happen was a simple yes and some extra hours of practice and dedication. We stayed in a Stratford hotel, and the next day we walked over to the Olympic pool complex. There was an electric atmosphere as soon as we entered the aquatic centre, but from the start it was clear we were the underdogs.

The team competed in medleys and relays, and it is fair to say all members tried their best and gave all their effort in preparation and execution for the event. It was overall a fantastic experience, and a pleasure to compete in the first Bryanston team for the nationals.

I would like to thank Mr Johnson for the opportunity and the excellent unique experience.