RTW Monson march to Cardiff

This month saw 34 athletes from RTW Monson swimming club compete at the National Arena Cup Final in Cardiff as one of the top ten teams in the country. It was a huge achievement, and the first time ever the club has made it to the final round in the 54-year history of swimming’s most prestigious team competition.

The team were joined by an enthusiastic group supporters, who all dressed up in regal clothing to represent Royal Tunbridge Wells and cheer on the swimmers. The party atmosphere in the stadium was electric as Monson faced some of the country’s most respected clubs and schools, taking on Guildford City, Millfield, Mount Kelly, Repton, Chelsea & Westminster, Wycombe, City of Cardiff, City of Peterborough and Stockport Metro. After 51 thrilling events, which saw the young swimmers put in some outstanding performances, RTW Monson finished in an impressive seventh place, with Guildford City taking the win.

A special mention must go to the athletes who managed to record a top three finish on finals day; Amalie Smith (Open 200m Individual Medley), Bella Jones (14 & under 100m Freestyle), Aran Bissett (16 & under 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke), Jess Gable (Open 100m Backstroke), Ilana Nightingale-Ellis (16 & under 100m Butterfly), Julia Elvidge (14 & under 100m Backstroke), Phoenix Clary (12 & under 50m Backstroke), and the boys’ 12 years & under 4 x 50m Freestyle relay team who finished in third place, made up of Phoenix Clary, Jasper Yau, Henry Webb and Gabriel Marsh.

As the club continues to elevate it’s presence on a national stage with some formidable perfomances, Head Coach Adam Naylor said, ‘For a club of our size not only to compete in this final but to thrive and challenge some of the country’s best athletes was a proud moment for the coaches and our swimmers. It’s a privilege to represent this special club and a huge thanks goes to my brilliant coaching team who work tirelessly to help the athletes maximise their potential and have fun. We now turn our focus to the end of the Kent County Championships and the British Championships where we hope to produce some positive performances to be considered for European Junior and Paralympic selections.”