We have lots of very talented students at Northgate, not only academically, but also in the field of Sport, Music and Drama. Two such students are Thomas (12 years old) and Milo (11 years old) in Year 7. Not only have they had to cope with settling into a brand new school and keep up with work at High School, but they also manage to regularly train and compete for Dereham Otters.
Thomas who is the Junior Club Captain and Milo who is the Junior Vice Club Captain, both recently competed in the two day Iceni Gala at Dereham Leisure Centre. Six clubs entered from Norfolk and Suffolk.
Thomas gained three medals in his events, silver in 50m Freestyle, silver in 200m Breaststroke and a bronze in 100m Backstroke.
Milo also took home a bundle of medals – five bronze medals. He gained them in the 50m Backstroke, 50m Fly, 100m Fly, 200m Backstroke and 200m Individual Medley.
Miss Theobald caught up with both boys to ask them a few questions about their swimming:
How long have you been training with Dereham Otters?
Thomas: About a year and a half
Milo: About 3 years
What is your favourite stroke?
Thomas: Front crawl
Milo: Back stroke
How did you feel when you were picked as Junior Club Captain/Vice Club Captain?
Thomas: I was excited as I’d only been swimming for the club for about half a year. The coaches pick people they think are supportive and team players.
Milo: I was pleased and proud. The Head coach thinks I am doing well and I can lead others in the team.
How often do you train?
Thomas: I train for about 5 hours a week, including at the weekend. We also have competitions at weekends.
Milo: I train for about 6 hours a week including getting to the pool at 6am on a Saturday for a session!
What are your goals for swimming over the coming year?
Thomas: I have already achieved a County time this year in a number of events but would like to gain a Regional time in some of them too.
Milo: I want to improve my butterfly and get stronger in each of my events. I recently swam for Norfolk for the first time in a competition in Luton. It was a good experience which I’d like to do again.
Do you have any long term goals for your swimming?
Thomas: I would like to finish top 3 in a British Championships!
Congratulations boys on a very successful competition as well as the commitment they show week in, week out in their training.
We love to hear what our students have been up to and their successes outside of school so please do get in contact if you have a story and pictures to share. This can be done through our school Facebook page or by contacting our Communications Manager, Miss Lynn, on slynn@ng6.unity-ed.uk.
