LEXIE DELIVERS SILVER SERVICE

Written by

Lexie delivers   silver service at swim gala
Lexie Parker  swam at the West Norfolk Swimming Gala in Kings Lynn and achieved three silver medals and a bronze recording  a personal best time on each outing.
Lexie, who has recently moved from the club’s Development Squad into squad “C” rose to the occasion and achieved her silvers all over 50m.  These were the backstroke 53.63,  freestyle 51.30  and butterfly 59.73. The 10 year old’s bronze medal came in the 100m freestyle when she touched in 1:43.77, improving her time by an outstanding 20 seconds
 Imogen Laws  aged 10, came away with three bronze medals. Her first one was the 100m freestyle when she scored 1:22.04 and in the 100m backstroke she went 1:34.37. It was backstroke again for her third medal when she completed  the  50m  finishing in 42.59  Imogen too recorded personal best times in all her swims.
Toby Corfield was the only Viking gold medallist at the gala. The year 11 year old covered 100m freestyle in 1:15.89 and then made it a double gold when he won the 100m butterfly in 1:31.08 respectively. Toby just finished short over the 200m backstroke when he had to settle for a silver in  3:03.44 missing the gold by just three tenths of a second.
 Vikings also  achieved  three more bronze medals through Leona Scott, 100backstroke 1:27.99, George Edridge 200 freestyle 2:22.55 and Layla Callaby 50m backstroke 41.19 50.
Also Ashley Jones,  Zak Edridge, Evie Bates,  Razvan Platon,  Anna Thurston, Mily Edridge and Darcey Lee also represented us at the gala
Well done to all our swimmers who took part.

WORLD RANKINGS FOR LILY

Written by

Lily achieves world swimming rankings
Lily Herring  has just returned from the Para World Series held in Aberdeen and achieved a considerable amount of success.
. After a flight from Heathrow, in order to get her there on time, she was in  action early competing in the S10 category. Herring went – 1:17.60 for the  100 freestyle finishing in the FINA world category  54 out of 75   and 17 out of 28 in the junior world category. However, she did not quite make the British  final but was 2nd reserve.
In the 400m freestyle, Herring did make the British final and went 5:51.44.finishing seventh Although it was not enough to win it did place her 31 out of 42 in the world category and 10 out of 18 in the junior world category. Afterwards the 15 year old said
“It was great to compete with other para swimmers and to be able to see a world event. I look forward to competing with everyone again in the future.”
Meanwhile the club have been fortunate to recruit two new coaches in Mark Claxton and Gemma Mizon which will meet the needs of the Development Squad which has expanded beyond expectation at the Victory Pool in North Walsham. A Viking spokesperson said:-
“It is vital that we have a development squad if swimmers are to achieve  results which Lily has just accomplished. We are delighted that Gemma and Mark have joined us especially as there is an acute shortage of swimming coaches generally.”

SILVER LININGS FOR EMILY & MICHAEL

Written by

Silver Linings For Emily & Michael
There was a silver lining for Emily Morton at the Norfolk County Swimming Championships held at the UEA Sports Park, Norwich when she swam for the North Norfolk Vikings.  A silver in the 400m freestyle in 4:58.94 – just four seconds short of the gold.. The 15 year old added her second silver medal when she touched the pad in 1:15.27 for 100m backstroke in a closer race at the finish. Emily finished her programme by collecting a bronze in the 100m butterfly with 1.17.41.
“I was happy and surprised with a silver in the 400m and just astonished with the one in the 100m backstroke ,not having swam this event for quite some time. I really enjoyed the championships, especially the relays at the end.” explained Emily.
It was also three in a row for fellow Viking Michael Sayer who also achieved three medals all in backstroke. He took  bronze for 50m backstroke in 34.82 whilst only hundredths of seconds separated the first three. His second bronze was achieved in 1.16.00 for the 100m. Then, the 12 year old showed his versatility over the longer distance of 200m when he went one place better by winning a silver in 2:43.40. Afterwards Michael said:-
“What I was most pleased about was getting qualifying times in all 3 events for the Regional Finals later in the season. Achieving personal bests in each of the heats and finals in which I won the medals was an added bonus.”
Other Vikings  placed in finals were Harry Hudson, Toby Corfield, Leah Harris, and Reuben Seaman.

FIVE GOLD RINGS FOR TOBY

Written by

FIVE GOLD RINGS FOR TOBY
Toby Corfield took five gold medals and a silver at an Open Gala held at the UEA Sports Park whilst Lily Herring broke the para Eastern Regional S10Junior Record when they both represented the North Norfolk Vikings Swimming Club.
For Toby it was the Individual Medley event where he excelled. In the 200m he recorded a personal best time of 3:12.94. for gold  However, In the 100m he was pushed all the way but just hung on to win gold by one second in 1:30.13 and subsequently reduced his time by 23 seconds!
Lily Herring broke the 400m freestyle Eastern Region junior para 10 record by scoring 5:36.33. This was six seconds faster than when she won the recent gold medal at the Regional Championships in Luton.
The other gold medallist was 11 year old  Reuben Seaman in the 200m breaststroke when he recorded a personal best time of 3:42.03
Other medals followed when Ruby Tracey achieved Bronze in the 200m breaststroke with 3:03.5. Then the following also won bronze medals in personal best times. Lewis Goultry 50m freestyle 26.97,  Sophie McKee 100m back 1:14.42 and  Grace Parker  100m backstroke 1:31.16.
Lead Coach Sam Watts confirmed that as the end of the year is approaching, Vikings won 198 medals and had 592  personal best times in 2023.

RECORD ENTRIES FOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Written by

Record Entries at Club Championships 

North Norfolk Vikings Swimming Club had a record number of entries when it staged its Annual Club Championships at the Victory Pool in North Walsham.

In the 100m freestyle, there was an exciting finish when Louis Goultry won by a finger tip by breaking a minute in 59.20 from Isaac Buchan’s  1:0123 with club captain Ashley Jones taking third in 1:03.63.

The 200m freestyle did not disappoint either. In front of  a pack house of spectators,  Louis and Isaac went head to head again. Lewis was the early pace maker but Isaac came back on the last 75m to record the fastest time in 2:13.85    from Lewis’ 2:18.16

In contrast, the 200m breastroke, saw Sam Morton and Emily Beighton win their respective races easily with Sam going  2:57.39 and Emily 3:12.33.

11 Year olds Lily Dear and Grace Parker were involved in some close races through out. None closer than the 50m freestyle when it seemed that they “dead heated” both touching first but the timing had Lily winning by a split second in 36.22 from Graces’ 36.62. This proved to be the most popular event of the championships attracting 18 competitors. Grace won six gold medals beating Lily into second place twice and Lily won five golds beating Grace into second place four times. The two 11 year olds left the championships with 11 gold medals between them.

For eight year old twin sisters Holly and Tessa Cartwright they swam against each other on a number of occasions over 50m. In the freestyle Holly won gold, defeating a field of thirteen in 48.84 and sister Tessa was runner up in 51.44. The backstroke followed and again it was Holly who won her second gold in 57.48 from Tessa’s silver in 1:01.85 respectively. The twins’ elder sister Isla, aged ten, also collected a freestyle bronze over the same distance with 53.96.in her age group.

In the intermediate category, Michael Sayer easily won both the 100m and 200m backstroke. The former in 1:20.15 and the latter in  2:44.70 respectively.

Noah Buchan, who in the summer was crowned Scottish open water age group champion, was also involved in a close 200m individual medley. The 12 year old won the event by a split second in 3:01.94 over Michael’s 3:04.43.

It was five wins in a row for 20 year old Senior Leah Harris who broke 30 seconds for 50m freestyle in 28.93. Leah then completely dominated the 100m Individual Medley in 1:09.91 proving what an excellent athlete she is. Meanwhile, the race was still on for the consolation places when club captain Jess Seamark touched in second with 1:29.45 and Rebecca Burrows third in !:29.68 respectively

Emilia Sequeira-Reis’ endeavour was simply outstanding. Although she did not medal the 11 year old also swam five  events. The 50m backstroke in 1:07.10 100m freestyle in 2:10.78 and 200m breaststroke in 5:18.11 to highlight just three.

“Emilia is just one of many in the development squad who have progressed over the last year and it epitomises the commitment from Emilia and others  which is very encouraging. The club now has a waiting list to join our development squad.” John.

There were two more initiatives introduced for the first time this year. The club invited  “Little Fish Swim School” from Norwich to take part and  they swam very well. It was also deemed a “licenced gala” which meant that any times recorded would be official. Subsequently, Vikings have achieved  a record 28 County qualifying times this year for next year’s County Championships.

Thanks and congratulations to all who took part.

Championship Results (click below)

DOUBLE GOLD FOR ANNA

Written by

Wild Card Entry results in double gold for Anna.
Anna Turner, joined the Halloween Gala at Dereham late when she swam for the North Norfolk Vikings Swimming Club. Anna’s entries were in doubt when she arrived  due to an administration “hic-cup”  but the 10 year old was allowed to swim on a “wild card entry” by the courtesy of the Dereham Otters Swim Club, who hosted an excellent gala for younger swimmers.
Her first gold was in the 50m freestyle when she defeated a field of 23 touching the pad in 39.12. three seconds ahead. Vikings had more success over 50m freestyle when Fearne Sadler was runner up in silver medal place with her 44.76 and Mily Edridge made it  bronze in 44.99 in the next age group up. It was 50m again for Anna but this time over the breastroke when she won her second gold in in 56.8, again by three seconds, leaving 16 behind her.
Also on the gold medal trail was team captain Layla Callaby who lead by example winning the  50m freestyle in 39.12 in her age category.  Meanwhile, fellow Viking Alice Dickety touched in 39.49 in third place with only split seconds separating the first three.
Layla continued her form when she brought home three more medals. It was freestyle again, this time over 100m when she went 1:34.82 for bronze.  Another  bronze soon followed when she displayed she was not just a one stroke swimmer. Flipping over to backstroke she recorded 1:42.86 over the same distance. Layla completed, what was for her an excellent day, when the 11 year old managed a silver in the  50  breaststroke with 54.83. All her swims were done in personal best times.
Anna Thurston won no fewer than  six medals ,five silver and one bronze and subsequently achieved a personal best on each outing. It was in the 100m freestyle where the 12 year old improved the most. Anna reduced her time by seventeen seconds finishing in 1:30.36. missing the gold medal by a split second.

Other swimmers who won medals were Alice Dickety, Leonardo Jones, Fearne Sadler, Holly Cartwright, Bethany Brooks, Zerif Gokmen, and Isla Cartwright. 

The club were also represented by Edith Hopkins, Rosa Sadler, Heidi Smith, Emilia Sequeira-Reis, Darcie Lee, Ray Smith, Lexie Parker, Jasper Green, Lucy Fincher,  Nancy Harrison and Tessa Cartwright.  

After the gala, team coach Roxanne Demmen said
“It was lovely to see so many of our younger Vikings swimming! The gala proved a learning curve for all whilst every one gave their all, I think they can all build and look forward to doing it again in the future. “
 
Vikings won 3 Golds,17 Silvers and 9 bronze medals.

GOLDEN START TO SEASON

Written by

Viking Swimmers Make Golden Start To Season.

The Club made a strong start to their season at the Iceni Gala in Dereham. They won 18 golds, 26 silvers and 18 bronze medals in various age categories

Isaac Buchan left the competition with four gold medals. The 14 year old completely dominated the 200m backstroke in 2:24.68 winning by 35 seconds and recording the second fastest time out of 14  across all the age ranges. Isaac went onto to win golds in the 50m Butterfly 30.08,100m backstroke, 1.09.49  and the 50m backstroke in 32.31.

For Emily Morton, leaving galas with out a medal is currently unheard at the moment as she is swimming very well. The 15 year old continued her form by winning three golds. 100m freestyle 1.07.25, 50m Freestyle 31.24  and the 50m backstroke 37.88.

Harry Hudson aged 18, also had three golds. In the 100m freestyle  he defeated a field of twelve touching in 56.42 50 in his age group, only a split second a head of his nearest rival. However, he achieved the over all fastest time in the gala out of 57 who swam this distance. He went onto claim two more golds, the 50m backstroke 30.33 and the 100m butterfly 1.03.33 respectively.

It was also three in a row for 20 year old Leah Harris 100m butterfly (1.08.31) 50m  Freestyle 28.75 and the 100m Freestyle (1.02.21)

Vikings made it a clean sweep of medals in the 200m breaststroke with George Edridge touching first for gold in 3.21.64, Razvan Platon silver in 3:28.31 and George’s 13 year old twin Zak, took the bronze in 3.29.84. The twins’ sister Mily, who is only in her first year of competition, did not win a medal but her time of 44.13 was good enough for the 10 year old to compete in 50m Freestyle in next year’s County Championships.

Ruby Tracey struck gold In the 200m breaststroke. The 17 year old finished in a winning time of 3.05.60 to take gold. In the 100m it was silver in 1.25.64   and over 50m it was the bronze in 39.02.

There was a gold medal each for Emily Beighton,(100m breastroke 1.29.53)  and Reuben Seaman (50m freestyle 35.28) 

There was further breastroke success when Lily Dear took a bronze in the 200m breaststroke in 3:49.16 and then added a silver on her 50m in  50.06 respectively. In her age group was Grace Parker who too was successful on backstroke when she won bronze over 100m in 1:28.62 respectively.

Anna Thurston went 3.38.82 for the  200m backstroke  and subsequently reduced her personal best time by twenty seconds collecting the bronze medal.

Other Viking Medalists were  Noah Buchan silver 100m freestyle  1.08.37 50, silver 50m  freestyle 28.62  silver 50m backstroke  36.39 bronze 200m freestyle  2.26.91and silver 200m IM 2.52.22, Bebe King  bronze 50m breaststroke 50.71 and bronze 50m freestyle, 35.02 Esme Seaman silver 50m backstroke 40.60 and bronze 50m butterfly 40.74 respectively.

Vikings were also represented by Winnie Browne, Evie Bates, Bailee Beighton  Leona Scott, Lewis Goulty, Sam Morton, Ashley Jones,.Fearne and Rosa Sadler

After the gala, our Lead Coach Sam said:

I knew we had the potential to do well but to be honest I never imagined we would do so well with 63 medals. It shows that the team are all eager to improve.

NOAH WINS NATIONALS

Written by

Noah is Scottish National Champion

Noah Buchan won the 12 years National 2.K open water event at the Scottish Nationals held at Castle Semple Loch in Fife, west of Glasgow in what was quite a choppy loch, but with some sun in between the rain and water temp of 18.5c, Noah was victorious in 31.59,  03.4 seconds ahead of his nearest rival to be crowned Scottish National Age Group Open Water Champion.

Due to an admin error Swim England would not allow him to swim but being half Scottish and qualifying at an event he was allowed to enter. After the swim Noah said:

“I am just amazed that I  won and happy and  grateful to have been able to swim in a national championship.”

LILY MAKES WAVES AT NATIONALS

Written by

Lily makes waves at Swimming Nationals

Lily Herring  competed in Sheffield at the National Summer Meet (50m) This is Swim England’s biggest domestic swimming event of the year.

Lily, qualified in sixth place in the multi classification heats when she  went 1:19.38 for the 100m freestyle  However, in the final, the 15 year old looked very determined and  after 50m she was third. However, Lily was pushed all the way but was not prepared to relinquish the position and held it right to the finish in an improved time of  1:18.08. However, owing to a complex Swim England permutation, based on a points tariff, Lily was placed sixth 

This did not deter her as she had the satisfaction of coming third in the race with the third fastest time in the final and had two more events to look forward to. In the 50m freestyle, she was seeded fifth and this is where she finished in the final in a personal best time of 36.30. In the 200m Individual Medley, Lily found it tough going but finished in 3.40.62. In the 400m S10 freestyle she gained another fifth place after eight hard  lengths of the 50m pool in 5.51.38. After the gala, her coach, Sam Watts said:

“Lily is having an excellent year in the pool so far. Her application and tenacity has been exemplary and its just reward that she swam in the nationals. I believe that this is just the beginning of what is to come”

TWINS BAG A GOLD EACH AT GALA

Written by

Twins Bag A Gold Each At Gala

Our swimmers  George and Zak Edridge,Reuben Seaman, Emily Mortpn and Bebe King  won 14 medals between them at a Gala dubbed Mid Summer Madness held at the UEA Sports Park.

George won his first gold when he went 5.32.44 wiining by eight seconds for 400m freestyle in his age group. In the 100m breaststroke he also achieved a silver in 1.33.71 but he was beaten by his brother Zak who touched in a gold medal time of 1.32.67 in a finger tip finish.

In the 200m breaststroke, sibling rivalries were rife again but there was a change of fortune in that George beat Zak to take a bronze in 3.22.09 from Zak’s  fourth place time of 3.25.56. as both the 13 year olds recorded personal best times

George’s second silver came in the  200m I M completing the course in another personal best time of 2.56.96 as swimmers must swim all strokes in the event. 

Reuben meanwhile did nine events and recorded a personal best on every swim. Subsequently the ten year old  won seven medals in total, two silvers and five bronze . When asked about his favourite event he said

‘I did 9 events this weekend but my favourite was the 50 Fly, I really wanted a good personal best so I just went for it, put my head down and did as many strokes as I could between each breath’  Reuben finished third in 45.11

However, his best swim was the 400 freestyle.He raced another boy the entire way battling it out for 3rd and 4th place in their age group, it came down to the last 25m where Reuben really accelerated  and got the medal.  He also knocked 44 seconds off his long course time.

Emily Morton continued her consistency by being in the medals again and it was the 400m freestyle when  she came home with a bronze, leaving sixteen competitors behind her completing the course in 4.59.43. Subsequently, the 14 year old improved her time by eight seconds. This is the fourth consecutive outing for the Viking where she has medaled. Bebe King, aged 12, had a silver in the 100m butterfly when 12 year old touched in 1.55.90 covering two lengths of the pool.

Thanks to all our swimmers who took part