Following the Four Day Bermuda Validus National Long Course Championships that took place at the National Sports Center, Bermuda Sharks Swim Club Head Coach and National Coach Ben Smith and others reflect on the event.
Smith said, “Many of our young swimmers were competing in a 50 meter pool for the first time and the task seemed daunting to start with. They performed well and showed what we can expect from them in the future. Brian Desmond and Sam Williamson both hit their first A level time which makes them eligible to begin training with the National Training team. Jesse Washington, Madelyn Moore, Shannon Hassell, Ashley Irby and Ethan Daley continued their winning ways after the Carifta performances and were able to achieve faster times after the hard training that followed Carifta. We were most pleased as a club to be able to sweep all of the high point awards with Irby and Daley taking the 12 and Under Titles, Moore and Washington won the 13 and over Titles. The Sharks also took home the highest FINA point trophies with Daley and Irby taking the 12 and Under and Rebecca Heyliger and Roy-Allan Burch taking the 13 and Over Trophies.”
“From a National perspective it was very encouraging to see so many supporters attend the Championships to watch the competition. With the home crowd watching the athletes were encouraged to compete at their top level. Both Heyliger and Lisa Blackburn tried several times to hit their Qualifying Times for Commonwealth Games. Although they were not successful they did show very good speed in their attempts. Julian Fletcher and Burch did not disappoint the home crowd in their main events and they both seemed primed for strong performances at Commonwealth Games,” continued Smith.
Smith went on to say, “With 49 top 3 finishes, Harbour Swim Team excelled at this weekend’s Validus National Championships. As the swimming season begins to draw to a close, with Local National Age groups Championships and CISC Championships remaining, alongside the major festivals, the club reflects on an outstanding transitional season.”
Smith concluded, “With a new coaching team, Harbour has gone from strength to strength and this meet put an additional 2 swimmers, Amber Simons and Madison Quig onto the Bermuda Training Team, to take the total new entrants onto the team from Harbour to 5 for the season so far.”
Harbour Swim Team Head Coach Shona Palmer noted “The work that has been put in at the foundation level this season is resulting in some outstanding performances from the younger swimmers. With the seniors continuing to improve, the number of young Harbour Club Swimmers returning ever improving times bodes well for the future of Bermuda swimming.”
Performance Director Stephen Castree added “It has been a fantastic first season and the team and Harbour are all immensely proud of the performances delivered by the entire team and we look forward to building on these successes for futures seasons.' Harbour recently held tryouts as the club begins the planning phase for next season and looks forward to a bright 2014-15 season with once again a full pool of talent and energy.”
