The West Norfolk Swimming Club has made a splash at the Norwich Swans Open Meet, with an impressive 21 swimmers showcasing their talents and bringing home a staggering 65 medals. The team’s outstanding performance at the UEA Sportspark in Norwich was marked by numerous personal bests and several regional qualifying times, a testament to the swimmers’ dedication and hard work. As the swimmers took to the pool, their passion and commitment to their sport were evident, and their achievements are a shining example of what can be accomplished with perseverance and teamwork. From the youngest competitors to the more experienced swimmers, each and every one of them demonstrated a remarkable level of skill and determination, making their club and family proud.
The 11-year-old category saw Mabelle Chadderton excel, winning an impressive four gold medals in the 100m and 200m breaststroke and the 100m and 200m backstroke events. Her outstanding performance set the tone for the rest of the team, who were inspired by her achievements and pushed themselves to do their best. In the 12-year-old category, Den Vojevoda and Elizabeth Litvenenko both earned four medals, with Vojevoda’s victories coming in the 100m breaststroke, 50m and 200m freestyle, and 200m backstroke, and Litvenenko securing her medals in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, and the 400m IM. These young swimmers are the future of the sport, and their successes demonstrate the bright future that lies ahead for the West Norfolk Swimming Club. As they continue to grow and develop, it will be exciting to see the impact they make in the world of competitive swimming.
The 13-year-old category was represented by Junru Cai and Nellie Chadderton, who collectively earned an impressive 11 medals. Chadderton achieved top-three finishes in the 400m freestyle and the 200m IM, while Junru excelled with a total of nine medals, including four gold, two silver, and three bronze. Junru’s impressive haul included gold in the 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle, 100m butterfly, and 100m breaststroke, as well as silver in the 200m individual medley and 50m butterfly, and bronze in the 200m backstroke, 50m and 200m breaststroke. The 14-year-old category saw six swimmers amass a total of 24 medals, with Olivia Bradford and Madison Hicks securing first and second place, respectively, in the 400m freestyle, both achieving regional qualifying times. Hicks continued her success by winning five additional medals, including gold in the 200m and 400m individual medley and 200m backstroke, along with bronze in the 200m freestyle and breaststroke. These swimmers are not just competitors; they are also role models, demonstrating the importance of hard work, discipline, and teamwork in achieving success.
As the swimmers moved into the older categories, the level of competition intensified, but the West Norfolk Swimming Club’s athletes continued to shine. In the male/open category, Adam Jackson earned three silver medals in the 50m and 400m freestyle and the 50m butterfly, while Samuel Liddell took home gold in the 50m butterfly, along with gold in the 50m and 100m freestyle and a silver in the 50m breaststroke. Toby Turner achieved gold in the 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, and 400m freestyle, plus bronze medals in the 100m freestyle and 200m breaststroke. These swimmers have honed their skills through years of practice and dedication, and their achievements are a testament to the club’s excellent coaching and training programs. Calleigh Welham-Smith, Callum New, Faith Turner, and Theo Ryan, all aged 15, collectively earned nine medals, with Welham-Smith securing two silver medals in the 200m breaststroke and IM, along with a bronze in the 50m breaststroke. New achieved a silver in the 400m freestyle and a bronze in the 50m freestyle, while Turner earned two bronze medals in the 100m breaststroke and 200m backstroke, and Ryan took home a silver in the 200m backstroke and a bronze in the 50m backstroke.
The 16-year-old category saw Daisy Simpson and Thomas-Arthur Jagger combine for five medals, with Simpson winning gold in both the 50m and 200m backstroke events, as well as a bronze in the 50m freestyle. Jagger earned gold in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, demonstrating the club’s strength in depth across all age categories. Esmie Kidman and Wiktoria Marcinek rounded off the weekend with four medals in the 17 and over category, with Kidman claiming silver in the 400m freestyle, while Wiktoria took gold in the 100m backstroke and added bronze medals in the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle. These athletes are the embodiment of the club’s spirit, demonstrating a passion for swimming that is inspiring to their teammates and opponents alike. As they move forward in their swimming careers, they will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities, but their experiences with the West Norfolk Swimming Club will provide a solid foundation for their future success.
In conclusion, the West Norfolk Swimming Club’s impressive performance at the Norwich Swans Open Meet is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and teamwork of its athletes, coaches, and support staff. With 65 medals and numerous personal bests, the club has demonstrated its strength and depth across all age categories, from the youngest competitors to the more experienced swimmers. As the club looks to the future, it is clear that its swimmers will continue to make a splash in the world of competitive swimming, inspiring others with their passion, commitment, and achievements. Whether they are competing at the local, regional, or national level, the West Norfolk Swimming Club’s athletes will always be proud to represent their club, and their successes will continue to make their family, friends, and community proud.
