British Swimming Championships 2023 - REPORT
The flagship domestic swimming event, The British Swimming Championships took place at Ponds Forge International Sports centre from the 4th-9th April. The elite event was playing a key role in the selection process for July’s World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka.
The British Swimming Championships will also assist in qualification for a number of junior representative teams across a busy year in 2023 that includes another LEN European Junior Championships, while athletes across all age ranges were targeting fast swims, personal bests and strong arena performances against the country's best in one of the nation's most popular venues.
This year we had 3 swimmers from Winsford Swim Team competing; Amy Kenworthy was racing in the women’s; 400 Individual Medley, 200 Butterfly, and 800 Freestyle, Lois Inch was going in the 200 breaststroke and Ethan Wright in the 400 Individual Medley.
On Day 1 we had Amy competing in the 400 Individual Medley. Amy was in determined mood and as always gave her very best in the longest medley race in the schedule. Amy set off well on the Butterfly, Backstroke and Breastroke legs, and completed the freestyle with a solid performance, touching the pad in 4:12.78. The swim was good enough for 10th place in the 17 years age category. Amy after getting the first race under her belt can look forward to the remaining of her races over the next few days.
On Day 2 we had Lois Inch starting off proceedings in the women’s 200 Breastroke. Lois raced a solid swim from lane 0, racing her best for 4 lengths of the 50m pool. Lois’s swim was good enough to place her 7th in the 16 years age group category. 7th in Great Britain is a great achievement and I am sure will spur her on for the Summer Nationals.
Next to race in the afternoon session was Amy in the women’s 800 Freestyle. Amy had another decent swim, racing hard against the opposition. Amy completed the swim in a good time, which was enough to place her 13th in the 17 years age group. One thing is assured with Amy, is that she will always give her absolute best both in racing and training and that trait should be commended.
On Day 3 first to go was Ethan Wright in the men's 400 IM, Ethan had a solid swim touching the pad in a seasons best swim of 4:53.82. Ethan was pleased with his swim making progress from his Regional swim a few weeks earlier. I am positive Ethan will be looking forward to the summer nationals ahead, with some good training I am positive there is more to come.
Final swim of the day and the championships was for Amy who was going in the women’s 200 Butterfly. Amy had another solid swim being very competitive throughout the 4 lengths of the 50m pool. Amy touched home in a seasons best time, and as Ethan making progress from her Regional swim. Amy’s swim was good enough for 22nd in Britain for her 17 years age group.
Well Done to Amy, Lois and Ethan for their qualification and racing in the British Swimming Championships 2023. It really is a fantastic achievement to qualify and race against the best swimmers in Great Britain and the world. 100% a great experience for all 3 of our swimmers which I am sure will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the National qualifying window and the National Championships this summer.
Next year I am positive we will have more swimmers racing at the British Champs as there are a number of swimmers who are coming of age, and ready break out into the elite National event of the year.
We will now look forward to some uninterrupted training, please can all swimmers maximise their training over the Easter holidays, so when the final meets of the Spring and summer come around we are ready and fully prepared.
Thanks
Dan.
