THE Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) National Swimming finals took place at the London Aquatic Centre in Queen Elizabeth Park, London, on Saturday June 9.

Tockington Manor School pupils swam to success in all of their races with one relay team returning as national champions.

The Tockington Under 11 boys team, including two sets of brothers, produced a magnificent performance in the 8x25m relay with personal bests and exciting final lengths. A nail-biting final 50metres meant a photo finish with Tockington Manor School being crowned national champions by only 10 hundredths of a second (final time: 2:20:43).

Mrs Hinchliffe, Head of Swimming at Tockington Manor School said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our swimmers who made it to the national finals. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to swim in the Olympic pool. Congratulations to national champions Alex, James, Henry, Toby, James, Gabe, Cole and Oliver.”

A silver medal was awarded to Year Eight Jake, after he maintained his cool composure, throughout his butterfly heats to reach the final, swimming a stunning 13.06 seconds, he secured a fully deserved medal.

Boosted by the success of the other Tockington Manor School swimmers their teammates produced some fantastic individual and team swims in their final races.

The boys under 13 4x25m freestyle relay produced the school’s fastest ever relay time, average 14.3 seconds per swimmer and finishing in 9th place nationally. (Peter, Freddie, Rohan and Jake)

The girls under 11 team reached 2 relay finals, finishing 13th and 14th in UK by delivering some impressive swims and personal bests in their first national finals. (Carmen, Luna, Lara and Iona)

Year Eight pupil, Iona also made the finals and came in a pleasing 12th nationally in 15.7 seconds.