Swimmers from a Barrow school are making waves after reaching a national championship.
Joshua Caine, Alfie Leahy, Norah Graham and Isabelle Tyson, of Chetwynde school, competed in the 27th National ESSA Primary Team Championships at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield.
The pupils reached the A final in both the 4x 25m medley relay and the 4 x 25m freestyle relay, secured seventh spot in freestyle and eigthth in medley in the whole country.
In the freestyle they also won the President’s Award which is awarded for the fastest state school.
The school has reached the finals in every championship.
Isabelle, who swam in the medley and the relay, is the third member of her family to compete at the event. Her sisters Jamie-Leigh, who is now at college, and Poppy who is a year 10 pupil at Chetwynde also raced in the nationals.
Katy Costa, Phase 2 Lead and teacher of PE at Chetwynde – part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust – took the team to the competition.
She said Chetwynde was the only school to reach the finals for a consecutive 27th year after qualifying through the North West division.
“The team swam brilliantly and did themselves and the school proud. Most schools competing are independent with their own pool so even to qualify for this event is a huge achievement,” she said.
“When we arrive, we are instantly recognised and we’ve made so many friends at this event over the years, we have an amazing track record of success.”
