The Academy gala (also open to Bronze squad swimmers) takes place on Sun 25 June at JAGS Sports Club, followed by our annual BBQ on the playing fields outside.
Entries for the academy gala are now closed.
Coach Caroline Findlay writes: It was an early start for our younger Leander swimmers to make the sign-in for the ever popular Woking Octopus Gala. After weeks of hard training our swimmers reaped the benefits, achieving 270 PBs and winning an incredible 144 trophies: 38 gold, 37 silver and 39 bronze!
There were winners across all age groups. Even younger swimmers without qualifying times and at their first open meet not only registered great times, but also won trophies. However there’s still a great deal that we need to work on – coaches will be working hard with you during the remaining weeks of training!
Well done to all who competed and for our parent volunteers, without whom these events could not take place.
Coach Lucy Sanderson writes: These past two weekends saw our younger swimmers step up to compete against the best in the region at the 2017 London Region Age Group Championships. 11 swimmers from Gold and Silver squads represented Leander over a total of 34 events.
The first weekend at the London Aquatics Centre saw huge swims from our finalists: Saskia W (50 free), Kiera McA (50 Back), Jack B (100 and 200 Fly), Lily C (100 Free). Other swimmers posting excellent times all round were: Maisie W, Lily C, Lachlan C, Jacob T, Ben F, Saskia W, Cosmo F and Lily C.
Weekend 2 was at Crystal Palace, with swimmers racing in 9 events over the two days. Excellent times were posted by all our swimmers: Lily C (100 Back, 200 Free, 5th in 400 Free), Cosmo F (7th in 100 Back), Kiera M (50 Back, 50 Fly and 200 IM), Ella A-T (50 and 100 Breast, 200 IM), Beth W (50 and 100 Breast), Saskia W (50 Fly and 200 IM) and Jacob T (100 Back and 50 Fly.
See the full results and times.
Thank you to all parents who continue to show their support for the club, and well done to Aymeric Nichet for the great work he has done with his squad in such a short amount of time. Lastly, a huge well done to all age group swimmers who competed in these championships!
Head coach Martin writes: This meet is the peak of the season and the focus of our top squads’ training over last 9 months. 20 Leander swimmers qualified this year (up from 8 last year). We also entered 6 relay teams.
On day 1 Leander swimmers collected 4 medals, 2 of them gold. Congratulations to our new 2017 Regional champions:
- Imogen Marcar in 15y old 200 Breaststroke
- Kirstin Harvie in 15y old 50 Fly, in a new club age group and All-time open record
And congratulations to 2017 Regional medallists:
- Jordan Sydney-Darling second in 15y old 200 BS
- Kirstin Harvie third in 15y old 400 IM
There was a Leander swimmer in every individual event final.
Relays
- Boys finished 13th in their 4×100 FC relay with a new club record by over 13 seconds and nice new PB’s for all 4 boys.
- Girls finished 5th in 4×100 FC relays also in new club record by 10 seconds and 3 individual PB’s (12th last year)
Head Coach Martin writes: This is coach Antonio’s report on his last gala with our club. In his time as lead coach for Blue squad, 8 Blue swimmers qualified for this year’s Regional championships. He has now decided to pursue new challenges and will be leaving the club this week. We all thank Antonio for his contribution to the club, his enthusiasm and passion for coaching and swimming. He will be missed and we wish him all the best.
Antonio writes: On Saturday the 22nd of April, Leander SC took nearly 60 swimmers, mainly from junior squads, to compete at the superbly organised Wycombe Sprint Meet. Swimmers from Bronze and Silver squads were able to get their first official long-course times, while more experienced Swimmers worked at improving personal bests and honing their racing skills.
- Leander swimmers won 63 medals and recorded 325 PB’s including first swims and first LC swims.
- Leander came 2nd in the Top Visiting Club Award
- Issy Regis came 2nd in the Top Girl Award
Head Coach Martin writes: The “A” division of the County Championships as customary finished with the sprints and relays at Crystal Palace on the 24th and 25th of February.
Leander swimmers had a fantastic weekend, collecting 14 medals, achieving 49 top 8 finishes and many Personal Best times. On the way, 39 new club records were broken, some of them dating back to 2005. See the full results for this year’s championships. Continue reading