Hatfield 1st in men’s medal table in British Summer Nationals, 5th overall
Hatfield Swimming Club descended on Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in late July and early August to battle it out with competitors from other swimming clubs across the UK for the British & English Summer National Championships.
11 of Hatfield’s swimmers took part in the British Summer Nationals alongside the rest of the elite swimmers from around the country for what proved to be a swimming spectacular and after the 6 day event Hatfield were top of the male medal table, and fifth in the overall medals table – an outstanding achievement.
Recently returning from the European Junior Championships and World Open Water Championships, Nathan Hughes continued his winning form and was top medal winner for Hatfield with an impressive 7 golds and 3 silver. One gold came in the National 3K open water swim. Luke Turley put in superb performances winning 3 individual gold and 1 silver, and Reese Housden was also in fine form winning 1 individual silver and 1 bronze. These 3 swimmers and Harry Constantine also proved to be unbeatable in the 14/16 year 4×100 and 4×200 freestyle relays and won gold in both events.
Other medal winners were Louise Fiddes, gold in the S14 multi-class 200 freestyle event and Lauren Young won silver in the 3K open water event.
The English summer nationals then presented another 5 days of fast swimming with Laura Copping claiming gold and Sophie Payne winning bronze on the first day, both in the 100 breaststroke. Amber Hughes rounded off Hatfield’s success with a bronze in the 800 freestyle.
There were many fantastic swims and personal best times smashed to end the competition season on a high for Hatfield Swimming Club. Congratulations to all our national swimmers!
Nathan Hughes and Pippa Shuttleworth are already looking ahead to next season after their selection to represent the GB Team at the European Junior Open Water Championships in Italy in September and we wish them well.
The winning Hatfield 16 year old men’s 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 freestyle relay team:
Nathan Hughes, Reese Housden, Luke Turley, Harry Constantine