Meet Charlotte and Amara, the young swimmers from Norwich who won four medals between them in the recent British Summer National Swimming Championships – and who were determined not to be held back by the difficulties swimming clubs faced in lockdown
The British Summer National Swimming Championships, which took place last week, is the end of season goal for many ambitious club squad swimmers to aim for. Qualification times are extremely tough and only the top 24 times – gained within a tight qualification window, in each event and age group – are invited to compete.
This year Norwich Swan Swimming Club had eight swimmers competing at Ponds Forge Sheffield. And two of them won four medals between them.
In the Girls, 15-years age group, Charlotte Smith won Gold for the 50m Butterfly with a time of 28.2 seconds; and Gold for the 100m Butterfly with a time of 1.03.5. She was named as British Champion in both.
Also in the Girls, 15-years age group, Amara Addision won Gold for the 50m Backstroke in a time of 30.0 seconds, and was named as British Champion; and won Bronze for the 100m Backstroke with a time of 1.05.65.
Stewart Park is head coach for Norwich Swan Swimming Club and says: ‘Having nine swimmers qualify and eight swimmers compete at this level is a wonderful achievement for our club and the individuals. This success is a result of the swimmers’ sustained commitment and hard work over the last few years. Amara and Charlotte’s victories are a perfect example of what can be achieved through commitment to a goal. I hope that these swimmers’ achievements inspire all our swimmers.’
Charlotte and Amara have both been swimming with Norwich Swan for several years and have made great strides in the last year. Determined not to be held back by the difficulties swimming clubs faced during COVID lockdowns, with pools closed for months, they have bounced back in style, with a great positive attitude and a determination to succeed that the rest of the club can all aspire to.
Rob Wicks is chair of Norwich Swan Swimming Club. He adds: ‘I am extremely proud of the performance of all our swimmers attending the British Nationals this year. They were a credit to themselves and the club. The success has really inspired lots of the younger members of our team and we will look to build on this success in the future. The hard work and dedication from the swimmers and coaches and their parents was rewarded with great results and four medals.’
Norwich Swan swimming club is the oldest club in the region with almost 400 young members across squad groups and over 900 in its Learn to Swim Programme. With swimmers aged from four to 22, the club caters for all abilities and all aspirations.
For more information about Norwich Swan please visit www.norwichswansc.co.uk
Featured image of Charlotte Smith (left) and Amara Addison, members of Norwich Swan Swimming Club Home (teamunify.com).
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