Gala Report

In 2011Swimmers from Bushey ASC have represented the club in a variety of leagues and inter-club Gala’s.

 

Gala competition is important to swimming because this is where the elements of representing and belonging to a team are most manifest within the sport. Unlike the other areas of competitive swimming we engage in such as Club Championships, Time Trials, Open Meets and County Trials where the events are

focused primarily on the result of each separate individual event, Gala swimming focuses the results from each individual event into the overall team total. It is where the overall strength of the team can be greater than the sum of the individuals.

 

The relay races epitomise this. In most galas there are 8 or 9 relay races. The last relay is often a squadron race where the team is made up with a boy and girl from each age group. It should be considered to be an honour to be in the squadron because we try to swim the fastest swimmers of each age group here. On many occasions we find that the result of the overall Gala can be affected by this last race and excitement is high. This is where swimming for the ‘Team’ matters. If the swimmer false starts, is slow off the blocks, goes too early or finishes their leg of the relay poorly the whole team suffers. Total focus, commitment and

determination are therefore required to be a successful gala team member. It is very pleasing to report that Bushey ASC has seen some fantastic gala performances this year. This has caused some considerable debates and analysis in selecting some of our ‘Swimmers of the Night’ award winners (not that the coaches are complaining about this at all!). This small award is given for exceptional performance within the gala team and not just for winning events. It is in effect recognition of commitment and ‘Team Spirit’ at that particular event. The Gala events we entered this year were similar to previous seasons. As a

smaller club we do not have the strength in depth at some of the age groups that are enjoyed by our larger competitor clubs but we maintain a proud tradition of fullest participation. We entered 2 teams into the Hertfordshire Swimming League Major league with The Gold Team achieving its targeted 3rd place in the Second Division. (Phew; after 2x 2nd places in the preliminary rounds we were in danger of being promoted to the first division). The Black team achieved a very creditable 4th place in the Third Division.

So on to the Hertfordshire Peanuts League where our younger swimmers compete in the 3 gala second division. There are categories for swimmers aged 9, under 11, under 12 and under 13. There were some great swims and the team finished in a well deserved 3rd place.

 

Bushey once again competed in the quirky Chiltern League with its events based upon No faster than times. Gala selection has to be very careful as swimmers bettering these times are effectively disqualified although their times stand in terms of personal achievement. In the 3 rounds the team finished in 4th, 4th and

2nd place. Well done team and selectors!

 

We have also entered teams in some one off Gala’s, often as a warm up event or through traditional contacts with neighbouring clubs. A notable success was winning the Shield by a fantastic victory at The Isabel Gala held in Hitchin. This year The Arena national Swimming League London Division was quite a

challenge for us. This is a very strong league and we are certainly one of the smaller clubs within it. Nevertheless our team gave it all and across the 3 galas (all held at Harlow) there were some excellent efforts. The final round saw us finish the night’s gala in 2nd place and overall 10th.

 

As always none of this would be possible without the support and dedication of our team managers, Robin and Jane Willis, Neil Fraser and Jamie O’Malley. I would also like to thank our officials and timekeepers and those of you who readily volunteer to assist when it is our turn to host a Gala. You are all part of our

team and it is this engagement that allows our continuing success in the water.

 

Richard Henson

 

Senior Squad Coach and Gala Manager