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Yorkshire Championships Feb 2020
Congratulations to all the Team Jorvik swimmers who swam at the Yorkshire Championships, as well as those who qualified but were unable to/chose not to swim.  The first two weekends covered all the events except the 50m sprints:- Alex Tew achieved PBs in each of his 3 events. This included a massive 7.5 second PB in the 200m Back, giving him an 11th place finish, and a 2 second PB in the 100m Free which took him into the finals, where he finished in a fantastic 8th place and won a coveted Finalist pennant. - After pulling out of the 200m Fly due to illness the first week, Ben Pateman achieved a 0.5 second PB in his 100m Fly on the second Saturday.  - Aidan Reilly put in some solid swims to finish 17th and 14th in the Open Age Group of the 100m and 200m Breast respectively - After the excitement of getting the 1500m Yorkshire time in December, the disappointment of being rejected in January to the phone call at 1.30 on Sunday afternoon asking if she could get to Leeds for 3pm, Ellie Rowson also won a Finalist pennant by finishing 10th. The Championships concluded for Team Jorvik with the 50m long course sprints at Ponds Forge. Team Jorvik were brilliantly represented by Alex Tew, Heidi Fothergill, Olivia Mence, Aidan and Cormac Reilly - all competed strongly in their events achieving fantastic personal bests. Special mentions to Alex and Olivia who were so close to qualifying for the finals and Heidi who was less than one tenth of a second away from an NER qualifying time. All performances are testament to the hard work our swimmers put in and the marvellous coaching they receive. Thanks to coaches Jess (especially for taking the time out from her A-Level study) and Emma for giving the pep talks and to Fiona and Elaine for making sure all swimmers got to the start on time. The following swimmers had also qualified: Libby Anderson, Freddie Fenwick, Amy Bettles, Laura Bettles, Jess Buckton |
Scarborough Winter Open
Team Jorvik swimmers embarked on a 3-day festival of swimming in Scarborough this weekend and the results of their hard work in training this term has been clearly evidenced by the number of medals won by everyone. On Friday evening, Ellie (gold), Robyn (bronze), Eleanor (gold) and Aidan (gold) started Team Jorvik’s medal count competing in the 1500 metres. All were swimming this event for the first time and ultimately finishing in times quicker than I can run! Ellie and Eleanor achieved Yorkshire qualifying times for their efforts. The gala started in earnest on Saturday morning. Aidan (rested after an overnight stay in luxurious accommodation) scored silver in the 400m IM and Alex won gold in the 200m freestyle, carving over 2 seconds off his personal best. After a quick turnaround Alex (silver) was back in the pool competing in the 100m breaststroke, followed by Cormac (silver) and Aidan (gold). Not to be outdone Jess G also won gold with a PB swim. Taking on what can only be described as a muscle-sapping 200m butterfly was Ben P, making the event seem easy as he strolled away with gold. Who gave him the spinach? Then Imogen performed admirably in the 200m freestyle achieving a bronze medal in her first effort at this event. The boys stormed back into action in the 100m IM – Alex securing silver, Cormac achieving a PB which also earned him silver, followed by Ben P taking gold. After a breather Jess resumed her day with the 100m butterfly - securing Team Jorvik’s first speeding ticket of the meet by smashing her PB by a mammoth 12 seconds! Ellie won silver with a great 5 second PB. Following suit for the boys was Alex, achieving a silver medal and taking a further second off his PB. Not to be outdone, Ben P led from the outset stroking off with gold, over a second off his PB and a new NER qualifying time. Saturday afternoon opened with the girls’ 200m IM – an energy-sapping event for most. Taking on the challenge Jess took bronze with another amazing PB and Imogen secured her first time in the event. Scarlett made a huge 10 second improvement on her best time and Olivia, a new recruit in her first gala for Team Jorvik, achieved bronze with a PB. The boys were back in the pool for the 50m Freestyle and made an instant splash: Alex, Ben B, Cormac and Aidan all securing silver medals. The girls followed suit: Olivia claiming a superb gold; Scarlett achieving our 2nd speeding ticket of the meet and Jess a worthy 4th place. Brimming with confidence Alex achieved gold in the 200m breaststroke smashing his previous PB by 15 seconds. He was swiftly followed by Ben B nailing a silver in his first effort at this event. Experienced performers Cormac and Ben P won bronze medals but it was Aidan’s gold medal that stood out. The final event on Saturday afternoon was the girls’ 200m backstroke. Ellie achieved silver in her race before Oliva Mence finished off what had been a great day’s performance with a gold and new personal best. Day 3 of this mammoth event started with the girls 400m freestyle – a perfect way to shake off the cobwebs. Robyn took on the mantle and achieved a brilliant silver medal, knocking off nearly 22 seconds from her previous PB. Cormac (gold), Aidan (bronze) and Ben P, this time just out of the medals, all achieved fabulous PB’s. The only girl to participate in the 200m breaststroke, Scarlett, continued the medal rush by taking silver and smashing her former PB by over 7 seconds. The girls’ 100m freestyle saw both Heidi and Libby enter the pool for their first races of the meet. In a closely fought race Heidi marched away with gold and superb new PB and Libby silver. This was subsequently followed by Olivia snatching gold and a new PB. The morning session was now in full flow and the boys’ 100m freestyle saw the youngest member of the team step into action: Joe F achieved a fabulous gold medal along with a new PB, snipping off over 4 seconds from his previous time. Ben B continued his great form by taking another gold and almost 5 seconds off his time, whilst Cormac and Aidan both took silver. A special mention here to Aiden S who secured our 3rd speeding ticket of the event, smashing his PB by just under 13 seconds. The 50m backstroke is a fast and furious event and contested by Libby (bronze) and Robyn, both of whom also achieved new PB’s. Olivia then followed up with a brilliant gold just missing out on her own best time. With the challenge laid down, Joe (bronze), Aiden S (silver), Ben B (silver) and Ben P (bronze) stepped up to the plate, the younger swimmers all achieving new PBs. With lunch on their minds the girls’ 100 IM was next up. Gold medals were eaten up by Heidi and Olivia, with Libby finishing 4th with a brilliant new PB. A special mention here to Scarlett who not only smashed through her previous best time but claimed our 4th speeding ticket of the competition. The final session of this marathon event started with the boys’ 100m backstroke. Straight back in the pool were Aiden S and Ben B, both claiming gold and Ben achieving a 9 second PB. The girls swiftly followed with Heidi and Olivia continuing their gold winning ways and Robyn achieving bronze. Not to be ignored was Libby who was rewarded with a fine swim and our 5th speeding ticket. Next up was the 50m breaststroke. Golds were achieved by both Aidan and Cormac, with Ben B grabbing a further bronze and another PB. The girls followed: Libby (bronze) and Olivia (gold) with a PB swim. If the boys weren’t tired after a long day racing they would be shortly with the 200 IM to come. Cormac took a brilliant silver and smashed the 3-minute barrier. Meanwhile Aidan grabbed a bronze in a tightly fought race that anyone could have won in the last 50 metres. The final event of the day was the 50 metre butterfly – a tough race to finish off with. The girls went first with Libby grabbing silver and Heidi bronze. The day was finished off with Aiden S launching himself across the line to win a brilliant bronze. It has been a brilliant event with medals and PBs galore. Members of Team Jorvik should be proud of themselves as we look forward to the next gala in January. Special mention to Callum for offering guidance all weekend to all our swimmers and to Team Manager Fiona. And without the input of the whole superb coaching team our swimmers wouldn’t be progressing as well as they are. Report by Andrew Mence |
Yorkshire Winter Competition
Team Jorvik's Winter Yorkshire's campaign got off to an awesome start. The first day of the 9-12 year olds competition saw almost 100% PBs, 3 Top 10 finishes for Will (100 IM, 50 Back, 100 Fly), 6 second PBs for Will, Alex & Zach in each of their 100 IM & 100 Fly swims, a 3.5 second PB for Ellie in 100 Back and a good swim by Joe (who was only just 9) in 50 Breast too. 50 Free was particularly exciting with the three 10 year old boys all in the same heat - Alex just out-touching Zach by 0.02 seconds! Unfortunately, Freddie was unable to participate due to a perforated ear drum. Swim of the day on Day 2 was an incredible 10 second PB in 100m Breast from Zach, who also knocked 3.5 seconds off his 50m Fly time. More amazing swims also from Alex and Will with great PBs in all of their 4 events, and Will picking up another Finalist hat for his 8th place finish in 100m Breast. Good swimming too from Ellie and Aiden to round off an excellent weekend. In the 13+ years competition a few weeks later, Aidan R put in an incredible swim to knock 3 seconds off his 100m Breaststroke time, finishing in 13th place in 16& Over, plus a PB in 50m Free too. Awesome PB also for Libby in 50m Free and PBs too for Heidi in 50m Back and Cormac in 50m Breast. The final day saw more fantastic swimming from Aidan R, with great PBs in 100m Free, 200m IM and 50m Breast - thoroughly deserved results from all the hard work he’s been putting in during training sessions! A 2 second PB from Heidi in 100m Back and a PB from Jess in 50m Back rounded off a good weekend for our small senior squad. |
Summer Nationals
Three of our swimmers qualified for the British Summer Championships this year, which took place at Tollcross, Glasgow. Aidan Fothergill competed in 100m Breast, where he climbed up the rankings with an incredible 12th place finish. Meredith Harness competed in 50m Fly (finishing in 23rd place) and 100m Fly (22nd), whilst Eleanor Cooper swam in 200m Fly (20th). Aidan also competed the following week in the Swim England Summer Nationals at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, where he was joined by Callum Tonkins. Determined swims from earned Aidan a good PB and 6th place in the 200m Breaststroke final, and then a bronze medal in 50m Breaststroke. Very consistent swimming saw Callum qualify for and finish 9th in a very tight 50m Backstroke final, then take 16th place in 100m Back and finally 13th place in 200m Back with a nice PB. |
Summer swimming arrangements
A reminder that the normal timetable continues until Friday 26th July (except that Tuesdays have now finished). The Summer timetable starts from Sunday 28th July and runs until Friday 31st August. Full details have been emailed to all parents but a summary can be found on the Members' Area page. Happy holidays everyone! |
Rotherham Metro July gala
Rotherham Metro A/B Summer Meet at Ponds Forge was our chosen end of season meet again this year (except for those competing at the forthcoming Nationals) and what a fantastic weekend to end the year! From the youngest swimmers to the oldest, every competitor proved that what you give in training you gain in performances at target galas like these. All the swimmers did themselves and their coaches proud, but especially those who have maturely - and clearly successfully - balanced their swim training with studying for exams. It is hard to choose a stand-out performance as everyone really deserves a mention, so here’s the long summary! Aidan F – 5/5 PBs and 4 medals, including 2 A grade Golds Aiden S – 3 PBs, including his first two Yorkshire qualifying times (50 Fly & 100 Back) Alex M – 8/8 fantastic PBs, including 3 new Yoks QTs, and a medal of each colour Alex T – 2 PBs despite not feeling 100% and pulling out of the afternoon’s races Amy – 7/7 PBs, including a huge improvement in 400m IM, and 4 medals (2 at A grade) Ben P – probably our most successful competitor, coming away with 9/9 PB swims, a new Yorks QT (100m Free) and 7 medals! Callum – 7/8 PBs, including another superb 400m IM improvement, and 2 A grade Silver medals Cormac – 5 PBs and 3 medals Eleanor – 3 PBs, including a huge improvement in 400m IM, and 2 A grade Silver medals Ellie – 6 PBs, including the “most improved swim” (45 seconds quicker in 400m IM!), and 3 medals Freddie – 5/6 PBs, a new Yorks QT in 100m Free, and an A grade medal Hannah – 6/6 PBs Heidi – 4/4 PBs, including a new Yorks QT for 100m Back, and a medal in every race Jake – 8/8 superb PBs, a new Yorks QT for 100m Fly, and 2 A grade medals (one of them Gold) James T – 6/6 PBs and 1 medal Jess B – 3 PBs, a new Yorks QT for 50 Back, and a medal Joan – a PB and 3 medals, despite scaling back training significantly to take her A Levels Laura – 7/8 PBs, including 2 new Yoks QTs (50 Free & 100 Back), and 3 medals Libby - 4/4 PBs, including a fantastic 50 Free swim (30.65) earning her a Yorks QT, and 2 medals (1 at A grade) Lilly – 5/5 PB swims, including some big improvements Meredith – 6/7 PBs and 3 A grade medals Robyn – 6 nice PBs, continuing the big strides forwards she takes at every gala Scarlett – 4 good PBs William – 6/8 PBs, new Yorks QTs for 100 Free & 100 Back, and 5 medals (2 at A grade) Zachary – 5/6 PBs, new Yorks QTs for 100m IM & 50 Back, and 5 medals, including an A grade Silver Well done to everyone 😊 |
We are looking for a new Head Coach
Following David's decision to move on to new challenges, Team Jorvik are looking to appoint a new Head Coach from September. Please see our job advert and forward to anyone who might be interested. |
National Qualifiers
We are delighted to have received confirmation that four of our Performance Squad have achieved qualifying times for this year's Summer Nationals competitions. The British Summer Championships and the three home nation summer meets form part of the broader Performance Pathway Strategy aimed at supporting the UK’s junior swimming talent on their journey towards senior medal-winning international performances. The 24 top ranked swimmers in each event are invited to compete at the British Swimming Summer Championships. The next 20 ranked English swimmers are invited to compete at the Swim England Summer Nationals. Entry to these key end of season events is by invitation only, from performances recorded in a designated Qualifying Window between the end of March and May. Our qualifying swimmers are: British Championships: 23rd-28th July Eleanor Cooper - Women's 19 years & over 200m Fly Meredith Harness - Women's 16 years 50m Fly & 100m Fly Aidan Fothergill - Men's 15 years 100m Breaststroke English Nationals: 31st July-4th August Callum Tonkins - Men's 16 years 50m Backstroke, 100m Backstroke, 200m Backstroke Aidan Fothergill - Men's 15 years 50m Breaststroke & 200m Breaststroke All the events will be live streamed so we will be able to cheer them on via our various devices! Good luck to them all. |
Jorvik Viking Sprints
Everyone's favourite gala lived up to its reputation again this year! Now in its 11th year, this fast-paced sprints meet has a reputation for being fun and friendly and this year it filled up within hours of entries opening. With A, B and C grades, it is an inclusive gala and gives a rare opportunity for all but the top swimmers in a club to compete together, meaning there is always a fantastic supportive atmosphere. Six place medals in each grade in all the age groups means that swimmers leave with jangling medals and smiles. This was certainly the case with our squad, especially the younger swimmers,who all put in fantastic performances - many PBs were achieved and medals won. All the achievements were too numerous to list but special mention to those who achieved PBs in 4 or more races: Ben B, Caleb, Thomas, Freddie, Lilly, Will, Zach M, Scarlett, Maddy, Connor, Maya, Ellie, Robyn, Alice S, James T, Imogen, Alice W; and to those achieving qualifying times for the Winter Yorkshires: Freddie (3), Joe F, Will (5), Zach M. This gala wouldn't be possible without the officials who volunteer their time and the parents, and grandparents, of our swimmers who all worked magnificently as one big, happy team - a big thank you to everyone involved! |
Long Course NERs
An impressive 16 of our swimmers achieved qualifying times for the Long Course North East Regional Championships held at Ponds Forge in May, although only 11 chose to compete: Joe C, Aidan F, Aidan R, Jake, Callum, Amy, Laura, Joan, Eleanor, Meredith and Emily. Highlights of the first day were Meredith pulling out a fantastic PB swim to take Bronze in 100m Fly, Aidan F swimming a nice PB in the final of the 200m Breaststroke to finish 7th, and Eleanor knocking another 12 seconds off the 800m time she set only a few weeks ago and finishing 10th. On Sunday Meredith secured 6th place in the final of 50m Fly, Callum swam a great PB to take 7th in the 50m Back final, and Jake put in an amazing performance in 50m Free after missing Saturday due to illness. There were almost certainly a few Nationals qualifying times posted this weekend too! |
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