‘Awesome’ swimming by Thame at Long Course Meet

A squad of some 21 swimmers across all the groups from Thame Swimming Club attended the Wycombe District BC Long Course Meet over the weekend of Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, under the guidance of coaches Mark Simms and Iain Phillips on the Saturday, and Ian Blyth and Simon Haarburger on the Sunday.

Spokesperson for Thame Swimming Club, Helen Williams, said: “For some swimmers it was their first ever gala and for some it was their first time swimming long course.
The swimmers were all on fire with an abundance of PBs and medals in evidence! A very big well done to all.

“Very excitingly we achieved the status of Top Visiting Club for the Girls (out of 14 other Clubs) and we were third for the boys. The Girls won 254 points across the weekend, outperforming Windsor who came in secondnd place with 205 points.

“A few notable swims and call-outs:

· Jack Allman for winning medals in his first ever gala for Thame – and a 50m pool too J Excellent swimming Jack!
· Thomas Collins for swimming under a minute in his 50 Breaststroke and winning a Gold medal in his 50m Free, despite his goggles snapping before
the race and swimming it goggleless. What a great spirit Thomas!
· Ben Mould for taking a massive 12 seconds off his entry time for his 200 Free. Fabulous Ben!
· Martha Block for taking an amazing 24 seconds off her 100 Breaststroke and winning the Silver medal – brilliant Martha J
· Katelin Phillips, Kate Collins and Flora Kershaw for taking over 20 seconds off their 200 Free time.
· Tally Simms for taking a huge 15 seconds off her 200 IM time – whoop!

“I would also like to take this opportunity to say huge congratulations to Tom Goetz for winning two Gold medals in his last ever gala for Thame. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tom for his commitment to the Club, being one of the original swimmers when the Club first evolved. We wish you well in your future studies Tom.

“Thank you to Melissa Simms and Marcus Birmingham for Team Managing and to those parents who gave up their time to officiate, as ever it’s hugely appreciated.”