Swimstock 'Tough Kids Aquathlon' and 'Race Rebecca' blog
What a day ladies and gentleman, Swimstock 2011 will go down as one of the most memorable events to have taken place at The Park Club since it opened 11 years ago. For those who were lucky enough to come along to watch or participate I've no doubt everyone went away with some very cherished memories. It was one of those rare days when everyone came together as one for a wonderful experience and a very worthy cause (Marie Curie Cancer Research).
The day began with the arrival of our very own double olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington who put on a fantastic training session in the outdoor pool. I'm sure those of you that came in for breakfast will agree it was an absolute privilege to be able to watch an athlete of this standard train. If you ever needed to watch a demonstration of a near perfect stroke then this was it. Watching Becky was an absolute inspiration, not only did she give us a demonstration of how swimming should be but she also showed us what an absolute superstar she is. To say she was unassuming would be a huge understatement, I think everyone was touched by her in some way during the day...which I have now coined the "Becky Affect"! I cant imagine a better role model to take us through to 2012 where I know she will be the star of the show.
After the training session we were quickly onto the next event of the day - The Tough Kids Aquathlon. Again this event never ceases to amaze me, the children were quite simply brilliant. Whether they came first, last or midway down the finishers list the important factor is that were brave enough to come in and give it a go when we all know the easy option would have been not to try at all. For those that did there was a real treat on the finish line as it's not everyday a double Olympic Gold medallist puts a finishers medal around your neck! There were some outstanding performances from all so congratulations to our winners and also to all those children that were nominated by Becky for the much sought after "Outstanding Performers Award" for showing true grit and determination in getting to the finish line. I have included the full list of winners below:
Aquathlon Age Group Winners
- Eliza Currie
- Alistair Larkam
- Isabella Stevens Alfie Dean
- Theo Currie
- Chloe Korn
- Tom Korn
- Johan Griffiths
- Sophie Hallam
Outstanding Performer Awards
- Benjy Jansen
- Oliver Sawtell
- Isobel David
- Jem Mawer
Then it was on to the big event of the day ...Race Rebecca! This was a once in a lifetime chance to compete in a series of team relays over 400m (Beckys gold medal winning distance) where the prize for the fastest teams was to actually race Becky over this distance in our pool. Opportunities dont come along like this everyday of the week so by now the excitement around the pool was at fever pitch. First up were the children in teams of 16 all doing 25m each, for those that were lucky enough to witness this it was quite a spectacle...one I will never forget! All the swimmers battled hard with some very nearly not making it and others flying through the water! After 2 rounds and 2 tough battles Team 1 were the outright winners who were to go through to the final to race against Rebecca.
Next up were the adults and you could cut the air of tension with a knife, there was a lot at stake and most importantly 2 places in the final to race against Becky. This time we had teams of 8 swimming 50m each, a short distance maybe but it was all blisteringly fast. There were 2 heats and 2 slots available, one for The Park Club Swimmers and one for one of the two British Gas teams and most importantly bragging rights to the victors ! And what a close race it was, coming down to only 7 seconds between the first 2 teams, Team Newsome only just taking the spoils and a landslide from Team Jansen of British Gas.
So now the final was set...
- Lane 1 - Team Kids 1
- Lane 2 - Becky Adlington
- Lane 3 - Team Jansen BG
- Lane 4 - Team Newsome
By now there were quite literally hundreds of people around the pool and the atmosphere was incredible, this was further heightened with the arrival of Sky Sports and ITV who were covering the event. The kids Team 1 were given a small head start and the adults were all started at the same time...this was their opportunity to see how they matched up to an olympic champion...I'm not sure who was more nervous the adults teams or Becky! (honestly she was worried!). And what a race it was, there is nothing quite like watching a packed swimming pool with swimmers giving it their absolute all in what proved to be an unforgettable race. So in the spirit of the day it was the children that powered home to victory with Becky taking second, followed by Team Newsome and Team Jansen. So very close in the end but on days like this I'm sure you will all agree that everyone was a winner.
Just wanted to say a huge thank you to all those people that made this day possible, no matter how small or large your contribution it was very much appreciated. It takes more than one person to put on an event like this and it was a fantastic team effort by everyone involved.
A very special thank you goes out to Chris Jansen of British Gas, without whom this day would not have been possible. It was a chance of a lifetime so thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to put on such a special event.
Happy swimming everyone...hopefully you have all been touched by the "Becky Affect" in some way! I know I have!