British Summer National Competition
BIG WEEK AT BRITISH SUMMER NATIONALS 2023
As the seasons come to a close and the summer holidays begin, the chance to relax is on hold for those who have earned the right to qualify for British Summer Nationals. Sheffield once again hosts the annual meet, bringing the best swimmers, aged 12 and above, to compete in a week's worth of competition. Sophie King (17) and Tegan Gale (15) qualify for the meet with a busy week's worth of swimming.
Sophie started her 5 event program with the 50 breaststroke. Going in ranked 3rd she was very hopeful for a medal and jumping at the bit to have a crack. There was no holding her back in the heat as she went for a Seasons best (SB) of 32.83 to qualify first going into the final. In the final she held her nerve going faster again with a 32.63 to pick up the Gold in her first event of the week.
Sophie continued her program on day 2 with the 200 IM. A dominant fly and breast leg does enough to make the final ranked 7th(2.24.36). With the final come a few tactical alterations doing enough to go toe to toe for the bronze. She turns after an impressive breaststroke leg 4th 0.12 sec from third. They race down the pool fighting over position as Sophie triumphs to touch 0.03 sec ahead to take the Bronze, a personal best (PB) and a club record (CR) of 2.20.94.
Day three saw Tegan in her first event with the 50 freestyle. Starting well Tegan managed to PB, finishing 5th into the final (27.45). Her final was tight with only 0.35 of a sec between 2nd and 8th. Every detail counts and a season's hard work down to less than 30 sec. Tegan did all she could to take a big chunk off her PB hitting the wall in a 27.19, though it wasn’t enough for a medal in such a tight final as she finished 6th.
Sophie was back in the water for day 4 of the championship with the 50 fly. Going into the event ranked 13th It was an unexpected joy to qualify for the final ranked 2nd with a PB of 28.30. She stepped up for the final and pulled out another PB with a 28.05. But as is the quality of British champs it wasn’t enough for a medal but a respectable 5th place.
Day 5 saw Tegan back in the 100 free. Doing all she could to make the final with a 1.00.16. Although Tegan had been feeling ill in previous week leading up to the competition she was determined to give it everything, and that she did go faster in the final (1.00.10) Though she finished 10th she showed the privilege of where she was could not be taken lightly.
The final day of the championship saw Sophie in both the 100 breaststroke and 100 fly. With the two events very close to each other it was clear it was a tough day to finish the championship but she felt her confidence from the success of the week and continued through the day. Starting with the 100 breast, she controlled the swim well finishing first going into the final just outside her SB. The fly soon after saw her ranked 12th. And again she managed to force her way into an unexpected final with a PB and CR. Showing how well her fly has progressed this season
The final started with the 100 breaststroke. Sophie started with an impressive first 50 turning 1st but with much of the field right on top of her. She held her stroke just dropping off towards the end to eventually finish with a Bronze medal + a SB time of 1.11.95. With only 30 mins to recover for the 100 fly final she went in with no expectation and was proud to maintain her 8th place and finishing just off her entry time.
It was a great week for Both Tegan and Sophie and now a well deserved rest for them both.
Medals
1 x Gold
2 x Bronze
Day 1
Sophie 50 brst
H: 32.83 1st SB.
F: 32.63 GOLD SB
Day 2
Sophie 200IM
H: 2.24.36. 7th
F: 2.20.94 BRONZE, PB + CR
Day 3
Tegan 50 free
H: 27.45. 5th + PB.
F: 27.19 6th + PB
Day 4
Tegan 200 free
H: 2.18.49 24th
Sophie 50 fly
H: 28.30 2nd + PB
F: 28.05 5th + PB
Day 5
Tegan 100 free
H: 1.00.16 10th
F: 1.00.10 10th
Day 6
Sophie 100 brst
H: 1.12.44. 1st
F: 1.11.95 BRONZE SB
Sophie 100 fly
H: 1.03.50 8th PB + CR
F: 1.04.08 8th
