Reports

National County team Championships 2024

This year, 25 outstanding swimmers were selected to represent Swim England Hertfordshire in Sheffield on October 6th at the National County team Championships “the Inter-counties”. These amazing individuals came together to race in individual and relays events in Division 2 with the aim to getting as high up the rankings as possible.

The Team supported each other by offering advice & motivation as well as face/body paint workshops for TMs, coaches and swimmers, a team bonding session before and finally a well-deserved team meal after the competition.

Training Session: This year’s training session took place at Haileybury Collage. The squad were introduced to the coaching and TM team for the event, collected their gear and took part in a 2hr session.

The training was focussed in 2 parts (part 1 – 1hour session working on race strategies – technique and mindset) and (part 2 – team building exercises and drills – relays) all with a relaxed atmosphere with laughter – chats and music.

The Gala: The minimum aim set out for the squad was to achieved equal to the best that Herts had swam this event, which was an 11th place finish in 2022.

This year the team finished 9th place (highest position since 2019 ) which was achieved by amazing swims from everyone. With loads of room for improvements still to be achieved.

I hope next year’s team can continue to grow and improve and earn a better result with the hopes of finally returning our great county back to Division 1.

Top Boy/Girl: Top swimmers went to Oliver B and Erin C who both made massive impressions on the coaching team, trying their hardest in all events (noted Oliver had returned from being ill the week beforehand) – investing in the coaches asking about our experiences and any advice we can offer them – supporting and cheering on the team from poolside before, during and after. Finally leading the boys/girls, face/body paint workshops.

Addition shout outs: To Nieve and Jacob for leading the team out and representing us all as a team by walking the flag round poolside for the opening ceremony.

Thank you to the volunteers who helped manage the team, officiate and set up everything for the events.

Thank you to the friends and family who attended in person or supported while watching on the live stream.

Finally well done to all the swimmers who represented our county – you all swam amazingly and were rewarded with PBs and an amazing day out.

PBs: 9 PBs across 24 individual events (many others within 1sec)

• Angus Cheng – 13yrs – 100 breast
• Constantine Calliafas – 13yrs – 100 free & 100 back
• Chun Ho Chan – 15yrs – 100 breast
• Mia Nelson – 13yrs – 100 back
• Sam Jeffery – 17yrs – 100 breast
• Jas Scott – 13yrs – 100 fly
• Chiu Ki Cheng – 13yrs – 100 fly
• Alex Nurney – 14yrs – 100 back

Recognition for swims that achieved top 3 placement in all of division 2:

• Constantine Calliafas – 3rd – 100 back (13yrs)
• Alex Nurney – 2nd – 100 free (14yrs)
• Max Hozier – 2nd – 100 free (15yrs)
• Jas Scott – 3rd – 100 fly (13yrs)
• Zak Fellows – 2nd – 100 back (15yrs)
• Boys 12/13 Medley 4×50 relay – 2nd 

This year has been an amazing experience for Harry and myself as coaches and we had a wonderful time. We were honoured to lead a group of fantastic athletes. For that we want to say to everyone; Thank you !!!

Luke (Lead Coach) and Harry (Assistant Coach)