All the girls were very excited and full of nervous expectation. The ISA gala this year was the biggest ever as fourteen schools were competing.

The Year 4 girls team did very well as Eshana and Sophie led the way, coming 3rd and 6th in their heats. However it was Tiana who received the loudest roar from the Alton crowd as she stormed through the field to take the lead in the 50m backstroke, only to be pipped at the post into second place.

The Year 5 girls all demonstrated how much improvement has been made over the year, especially by Hannah, coming a close 5th in her heat in the 50m breaststroke.
The Year 6 girls were up against an extremely strong team from Hawley Place and only Ellie gained a commendable 3rd in the breaststroke.

It was in the relays that Alton showed great courage, as the Year 4 girls came first in the 4x50m freestyle, and Ellie proved herself a great all-rounder in the Year 6 relay, swimming the last leg from laying 5th to a wonderful 3rd.

All the girls competed with great heart and it was an eye opener for all to see how strong some schools are in swimming. Well done to all we shall wait to see who are off to the national finals.

Update

Eshana and Ellie were chosen to represent London West in the ISA National Swimming Championship in Coventry on Saturday. They swam in their respective freestyle relay teams; the Year 4 team came fourth nationwide, and Ellie’s Year 6 team took first place, with Ellie providing the crucial third leg. Many congratulations to both girls, who did their school and region proud!