SWIMMING – Leamington juniors shine in national final

The LEAMINGTON Spa Amateur Swimming Club (LSASC) juniors ended the year with another outstanding performance after finishing second in the National Junior League Grand Final at the Corby International Pool in Northamptonshire.

The club’s swimmers, aged nine to 12, had already made history in September when they won the Nuneaton and Bedworth Junior League for the first time.

And with that win, LSASC qualified for the Grand Final where they faced winners from other leagues from across the country, including local rivals Nuneaton and Bedworth, who finished second to Leamington.

Leamington’s young swimmers were in high spirits after a pep talk from head coach Graham Nash about “enjoying every minute of the day and getting the best out of yourself”.

However, as the start time approached, the enormity of the event was clear to see on the faces of the young swimmers.

Leamington got off to a strong start in the gala, which began with a mix of relay competitions, and after 10 races was second only to City of Leeds and just ahead of Newcastle and Nuneaton and Bedworth.

This spread faith and confidence throughout the team as many swimmers pushed themselves to set new personal bests (PB) while fighting for every point, to which a large contingent of spectators shouted at them.

And with 10 races to go, Leamington stayed in second place as the electric atmosphere helped LSASC hold their position and celebrate another historic success for the club.

The trophy was proudly accepted by LSASC team captains Olivia Taylor and Ethan Gould.

In an outstanding team effort, two swimmers from Leamington secured individual race wins.

Team captain Ethan led from start to finish, winning the 12-year-old 50m breaststroke, while 10-year-old Floren Smith embodied Leamington’s spirit in the 50m breaststroke, sealing victory with the final strokes of an extremely close race.

Chair Karen Mee said: “The club continues to surpass its own incredible achievements. Qualifying for the Grand Final for the first time in 2019 and finishing second this year is truly remarkable.

“It’s a testament to the passion, dedication and hard work of all swimmers and the coaching staff.”

City of Leeds secured their fourth straight Junior League title on 350 points, Leamington second on 271 points and Newcastle Swim Team third on 266 points.

Leamington’s rivals Nuneaton and Bedworth were further behind in fourth place with 257 points, Leyland Barracudas in fifth place with 212 points, Kingston Royals in sixth place with 181 points, and Lincoln Vulcans in seventh place with 161 points.