An U11 boys’ relay team from The Hawthorns School was awarded gold and bronze medals in the English Schools Swimming Association National Primary Schools Relay Championships in June.
Held at the Ponds Forge swimming pool in Sheffield, Guy, Harry, Alex and Oscar – the Hammerhead Swim Squad – were representing South East England, having already competed in the Surrey and then the South East qualifers. Their first event was the medley relay, where they qualified in the heats for the A final. Their two second lead in this ensured them four gold medals, a trophy and a shield.
In the freestyle relay the boys again qualified for the A final. It was a close race, with the three first schools finishing within one second of each other. Hawthorns took the bronze medals, and another shield.
Mrs Leed, Hawthorn’s head of swimming, said:
“The enthusiasm and commitment the boys have shown has been incredible, getting up early twice a week for several years to train before school. The boys showed real resilience, coming straight from their week long Year 6 Residential trip and holding their nerve to swim so well on such a big occasion, they should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”
This follows on from their success at the Independent Association of Prep School’s National Finals in July, where the four boys won both the U11s boys’ relay and the trophy for their age group.
Headmaster Adrian Floyd commented:
“My hearty congratulations go to Guy, Harry, Alex and Oscar, four national medals at two different competitions within the week is incredibly special and we are all proud of their achievements.”
