Four teenagers that learnt to swim at Shirley Pool made the finals of the English National Schools Swimming Championships last weekend.
Tyler Ellis,Max Nugent, Filip Fraczek- Kryger and Kieran Beckett were representing their college, Barton Peveril, for the first time in the prestigious event at London’s Olympic Pool.
The team qualified by topping the Hampshire Schools event and then finishing fourth in the heats of the 4 x 50m freestyle in a time of 1.40.88 to make the finals. They trailed in fourth place on the first two legs of the final before storming past The Harrow School on the third leg to lead by more than a second. The final 50m extended the lead and secured a fabulous third place on the podium for the Southampton boys in a time of 1.38.97 .
Kieran Beckett (17) was learning to swim in the small pool at Shirley before he started school, progressing through the ranks into competition swimming with Dolphins.
Tyler Ellis (17) also spent 8 years learning his art at Shirley, starting as a toddler. Max Nugent (17) joined the swim club as a ten year old and peaked as National Champion in 100m butterfly as a 16 year old.
A young Keiran Beckett
Filip Fraczek-Kryger (16) began swimming with Shirley as a 4 year old and stayed with it until 2018, becoming the fastest swimmer over 50m in the Country for his age.
“I’m so happy making a podium finish in the relays.To beat specialist swimming schools just as a group of close mates was a great feeling and one I will never forget” said Kieran.
Filip starts with the Dolphins
Shirley Pool MD Dave Perry, “There’s no luck in that result. Thats year’s of hard work in the pool, some great coaches and a lot of dedication from the parents. Everyone that has been involved with these lads over their swimming career will tell you they are lovely to teach. We are very proud that Shirley pool has played their part in teaching them to swim and opening the door to success.”
Tyler (right) as a nine year old Dolphin
The other teams sharing the podium were Millfield School and Plymouth College, both colleges attract top swimmers from across the Country to train while studying.
National Champion Max
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