SENW Open Water 2026 - Report

Huge congratulations to our 19 swimmers who took on the brave challenge of this year’s open water event. It’s always a fantastic day but this year we were gifted beautiful sunshine by the weather gods and 26 degree water - scorching! In all my years of this event I’ve never known it to hit those sort of temperatures!

The results were truly terrific, we brought home a total of 18 medals! Including 12 different medalists, 6 Regional medalists, 3 nationals qualifiers, 3 masters national qualifiers. It was hard to narrow it down without making this report an entire essay but here goes…

Standout swims- firstly to Jessica Goldsmith who’s qualified for her 5th year on the row of open water nationals- the most any swimmer at our club has reached. It was a tough ask this year after her GCSE’s but she swum the whole 10 laps of the waterpark like a champion. We have 4 weeks to train and push for that big 7.5k at Nationals, already excited for it! Massive congratulations Jess!

Secondly Charlotte A- the entire squad knows how hard she’s worked for this one, she’s been ploughing up and down on distance free religiously for months in preparation for this. From starting her training a good few months ago back in 12 degree water to now, she’s put the work in. I just knew it would show today, an incredible 2nd place behind the swimmer who won last year’s nationals. Again, super excited to see how you perform in 4 weeks time.

Thirdly to Eris who has qualified for her first ever open water nationals on top of her pool qualifications this summer. She had a gutsy swim and fought until the end, a feisty 3rd place and only 0.3 could separate her and 2nd place. Super proud of your entire season Eris.

Next to Maisie, just 11 years old and in that lake showing everyone who’s boss. Maisie wow’d us all by finishing 3rd in the Region and Silver in Cheshire, on her first attempt at an open water race this was a performance to be remembered. Unfortunately Maisie is too young to attend this year’s summer nationals but I know this can be a firm goal for next year. Get those medals into school on Monday and wear them with pride, you deserve it!

Finally to Paul and Lucy who tried an open water race for the first time both coming away with medals & Paul who received the biggest cheer of the entire day as he was crowned regional champion.

Thank you to Andy for officiating and helping me with the coaching. To Barry for awarding the county medals. To Sara, Kym, Gemma for preparing the picnic and drinks, cocktails in the sun is what you ladies deserve. All our amazing parents helping with the suncream, the bug spray, the hydration- it was a full blown effort to look after us all today in that heat and we truly appreciate it. So thank you.

Overall absolutely fantastic day and well done to each and every swimmer.

Medal Haul and Placings-

Paul Heatley - NW GOLD, Cheshire GOLD

Molly James- NW GOLD, Cheshire GOLD

Charlotte Ainscough- NW SILVER, Cheshire GOLD (National Qualification)

Jessica Goldsmith- NW SILVER, Cheshire GOLD (National Qualification)

Maisie Jones- NW BRONZE, Cheshire SILVER

Lucy Lee- NW BRONZE, Cheshire BRONZE

Eris Coxon- NW 4th, Cheshire BRONZE (National Qualification)

Hattie Lawson- NW 5th, Cheshire SILVER

Chloe Hancock- NW 11th, Cheshire SILVER

Alfie Butterworth- NW 6th, Cheshire BRONZE