TWO swimmers have been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award for their remarkable swimming achievements in the English Nationals.
Kalum Smart, 14, of Common Lane, Royston and Georgia Lee, 13, of Broomhill Close, Darton, both representing Borough of Barnsley Swimming Club (BoBSC), were the only two swimmers from the Barnsley area to qualify for the English Nationals, the country’s premier meet and one of the biggest domestic events which took place at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, last week.
Both Kalum and Georgia gained personal bests and qualified for final positions.
Club spokespman, Adrian Wightman, said: “Georgia and Kalum have trained with the club since they were seven and it shows what hard work and commitment can achieve.
“It was a massive achievement for them both to qualify as only the fastest 20 swimmers in England could take part.
“For Georgia and Kalum to make the finals, they have made everybody involved in the swimming club especially proud of their achievements.
“Having two of our swimmers reach the top ten in two events, at the Swim England Championships, is fantastic.”
The club is looking forward to more children reaching the British and English Championships next season.
Georgia has been training all year to be able to compete in competitions.
She said: “I’ve been training hard at least five or six days a week all year and have been competing at competitions all over the UK for my club, my school and also training with the North East Development Programme.
“Getting into two finals and being so close to a medal has given me encouragement to keep listening to my coaches, trying even harder and to keep improving next season.”
Kalum also mentioned how he felt proud to represent his swimming club at the summer nationals.
He said: “All the hardwork that I have put into training over the past few years has paid off, and I was very proud to be representing BoBSC at the English summer nationals this year. It felt amazing to be competing at my first Swim England nationals and to swim four personal bests was a massive achievement.”
Both Kalum and Georgia have reached their goals this season by achieving two events and finals at the swimming event.
Head coach, Carly Herbert, said: “Everyone at the club has been behind them every step of the way and supported them through their national experience.
“I’m very proud of the swimmers and it’s a pleasure to coach and guide them through their swimming careers.”
