Individual Sporting Success

Shiplake College is delighted to share with you outstanding sporting achievements from two individuals who have excelled in their respective sports. 

Abi Botterill, of Year 12, has been selected to play netball for the U19 London Pulse Competition Squad; and Henry Benton, of Year 11, has continued to go from strength to strength (or stroke to stroke!) in the swimming pool.  

The process and trials involved to be selected for the London Pulse Competition Squad are intense and gruelling, and for Abi to not only succeed in making the team, but to join a squad consisting of older players is a fantastic achievement. When Abi found out about her success, she could not stop the tears of joy.  

Speaking after being selected, Abi said: 

“I am really thankful for this amazing opportunity to play for Pulse U19s. I only started netball three years ago and have been building and working on my goal ever since.

I was scouted for Academy Netball from a masterclass in netball three years ago and I can't wait to see where else it takes me. I'm also looking forward to playing netball with all the girls here at Shiplake College this season within the Berkshire Netball League." 

Shiplake's netball campaign starts on Wednesday 11 January with the U18As taking on Reddam House and, at home, the U18Bs and U18Cs face The Oratory School and Reading Blue Coat School respectively.  

In the pool, Henry Benton competed at the English Nationals at Ponds Forge over the summer. This was his first time to achieve a national place and was seeded 16th for the event. 

Across the year, swimmers compete in club events to gain their entry times to championships at various levels. Henry has achieved a regional standard over the last few years but after making some improvements in his rankings, was invited to swim in the English Nationals 200 breaststroke for 15 year olds. 

Despite his seeding, Henry put in a fantastic showing in the heats, knocking five seconds off his entry time to achieve a PB time of 2:35.13 and with it, make the finals for the fastest 10 swimmers. Returning later that night for the finals, Henry again put in another incredible performance to come 4th overall. Outperforming all expectations given his seeding, Henry swam his heart out and again achieved another PB time of 2:35.06.

Across the UK, Henry came 25th for this event, which is an incredible achievement. From here, Henry is now aiming to race at the British Championships for 2023. 

Well done to both Abi and Henry on your fantastic performances - we can't wait to see how you both progress on the netball court and in the swimming pool!