Bridlington, Saturday 2nd March 2024

South Holderness Swimming Club ventured to Bridlington for the first of this years Hull and District Meets.

Awaiting us there our fellow district clubs; Bridlington and Pocklington.

The beach was cold and the sea was rough with large brown waves rolling onto the sands. However indoors it was nice and warm with a sea of black and green to be seen causing waves in the pool.

With 43 swimmers present the club was out in force and they really did do their best throughout the evening. There was only a few heats that didn’t have a SHSC present which shows how much we have grown.

The club was well represented across both the 25m and 50m distances and across all strokes showing the depth and capability of our swimmers.

The team warmed up well and with a few practice starts under our belt we were all set for the first races ahead. Team leader Paul, Coach Tracey and Head Coach Steve were all poolside readying the swimmers for the task ahead.

The Gala was a mix of development 25m races and full 50m races which will show recorded times for swimmers on the ASA rankings system.

All swimmers were looking to gain some PBs but also snatch up some silverware.

We progressed with a full programme consisting of 78 heats. The time past quickly with so many swimmers to watch and cheer on it was absolutely brilliant.

Some interesting information below:

43 swimmers represented SHSC

165 races were swam by SHSC

7525 metres swam (approx.7.5km from the swimming pool to Burton Constable Hall)

254.73 total seconds reduces via PBs for the whole team.

The Gala saw a number of our swimmers debuting at their first outside galas and making a great impact. Well done Oliver, Dexter, William, Erica and Ava they swam their socks off and also settled into the team so well.

We placed well all evening not only in the top 6 of each event but had an amazing 71 places in the top 3 spot.

1st – 27

2nd – 20

3rd – 24

4th – 17

5th – 18

6th – 18

50 m Races

Wow absolutely amazing result for Macey achieving a 30s PB.

Congratulations also to Ava (×2) and Charlotte J for getting over a 10s PBs.

We had so many brilliant performances throughout the evening but we all enjoyed the clash of the titans with Alfie and Robert going head to head and we saw some very close finishes (would not want to be judging that finish)

I particularly liked the moment Evie did her Breaststroke turn smiled across at her fellow swimmers and then did a great last length to get a brilliant PB.

25m Races

These races are excellent for getting swimmers ready for the 50m and 100m races they will incur in the future.

We had good representation across those races and some excellent results. Some to call out are Isabelle storming on her fly and Scarlett matching this success on her backstroke.

William finishing at pace and unfortunately hitting his head but he was so brave and got the gold for his pain.

Ethan, Oliver, Erica, Ava and Dexter stepping up for their first external races and showing real courage

These are only a few of the fabulous results we saw.

All times are valuable and we can learn from each and every result. If you didn’t get a PB, remember you tried hard and can use these learnings for the next race!

Swimming is about pushing yourself as an individual but our swimmers not only do this ten fold, the team spirit they show is fantastic. They cheer each other on at the lane ends but it’s the little things we see and hear at poolside which make us really proud. Keep it up team!

Sometimes a kind word or encouragement from an unexpected source can make the difference to someone’s day and performance.

We had a few goggle problems and for some swimmers we managed to sort it with tightening and putting hats over the top but for those still struggling please have a look at this for the next meet.

We missed Billy and Ella M from our line up but hope they are both OK.

Congratulations to Gary and Carol for making the gala a great success! We appreciate everything you do at the Hull and District level to give our swimmers the opportunity to progress with their swimming dreams.

Huge thanks to all our supporters and parents bringing the children to Bridlington for the meet and for cheering on all of the swimmers!

Last but not least thanks to all the swimmers for their impeccable behaviour and giving ot their best!

Also nobody told us their was an after party at McDonald’s but we gate crashed it.

SHSC were definitely in the house of the golden arches!