Shiplake Swimmers in the Deep End

On Sunday 10 May Shiplake College played host to an ‘aquathon’ – a swimming race which pitted the Tri Henley club against the Thames Valley Triathletes. Students from Shiplake College were joined by other schools to participate in the swimming event, making the most of the Shiplake pool having reopened for the summer season.

Tri Henley, a club specifically dedicated to coaching, training and triathlon competitions, was founded in October of last year, and now boasts an impressive 22 members. The club is targeted at juniors in years 7 to 11, who are committed to advancing their athletic performance in a safe, fun and exciting environment. People travel from the local surrounding areas, such as Henley-on-Thames and Shiplake, to take part in the weekly meetings, and represent the club during events such as Sunday’s aquathon.

Head of Design and Technology Mr Alex Hunt took an active role leading the event, encouraging participants and spectators. The aquathon involved a 250m – 350m swim. The younger swimmers swam the shorter distant, with the older club members tackling the 350m swim. This was then followed by a tough two or three and a half kilometre run, which really tested the club members in terms of perseverance and fitness!

43 competitors made their way to the sloping Skipwith lawns of Shiplake College, all aged between 10 and 16 years old. A busy and popular event was made even more so by the 100-strong crowd of spectators, who were on standby to cheer for their friends and family, offering much needed support during the challenge.

Year 9 Shiplake pupil Tom Nike, of Orchard House, walked away with a victory in the T3 age group, competing for the Thames Valley Triathletes.