Gala Report

In 2013 Swimmers from Bushey ASC represented the club in a variety of leagues and inter-club Gala’s.

Many swimmers represented the club for the first time in galas this year and it was pleasing to see that the clubs strong tradition both in swimming and officiating at Galas was maintained. 

Gala competition is where squad training is really put to the test. Whilst club championships and time trials focus on individual performance, gala swimming takes the results from each individual event to contribute to the overall team total. 

The relay and the squadron races in particular show that swimming can indeed be a team sport. It is always pleasing to see a swimmer in a relay swimming faster for the team than they swam in their individual event. This is where the overall strength of the team can be greater than the sum of the individuals and we have seen some magnificent team swims from the relay squads this year. 

Galas are also where swimmers across the age groups within the club get to compete together. The younger swimmers can begin to aspire to achieve the sub minute 100m freestyle that they see from the top swimmers in the pool. In many cases this year the younger swimmers have also led the way with first places and club records. Every point counts and a swimmer making that extra effort to come third instead of fourth secures an extra point.

Whilst the calendar year finished with a magnificent first place in the Arena league round 3, Bushey ASC have also seen some fantastic gala performances throughout the year.

The Gala events we entered in 2013 were:

Herts Major League

Herts Peanuts League

Hertsmere Challenge

Isabel Gala

Goldstone Gala

National Arena League

As a smaller club, we do not currently 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 Major league with solid performances from both Black and Gold teams.  This year the National Arena Swimming League London Division was again a challenge. competing against some very strong teams, however we competed well and won the final gala for the second year running. We also won the final Gala of Peanuts, the gala for boys and girls aged 9, under 11, under 12 and under 13, showing the clubs continuing success with the strong crop of younger swimmers.

The club has continued its tradition of producing very competitive teams and developing some superb individuals. This is only possible with support from parents, officials, club captains, teachers and coaches. We would like to acknowledge and thank all the support the swimmers have received from our ‘yellow army’ of helpers and supporters. We could not do it without the many hours of time that this wider team invests in the club.

Finally, we would like to congratulate the swimmers, the regulars and the new gala members. Keep training hard and here’s to more success in 2014.

Thank you from the swimming teachers and coaches.

Jamie O Malley