The 55th annual National arena Swimming League Finals took place this weekend at Cardiff International Pool.
As the UK’s premier competitive swimming league, the NASL pits Olympians against club swimmers in a thrilling team format. The NASL is made up of 6 leagues across England and Wales, with teams representing East Midlands, London, North West, South, Western and West Midlands.
Over 300 clubs from across England & Wales entered the competition in the regional rounds held in October, November and December 2023 with an estimated 1300 swimmers aged from 9 years upwards to full senior internationals competing in their Regional Divisions.
Saturday – B-Final
Mickael Malaper Photography (malaperphotographhy.com)
Camden Swiss successfully defended its title from last year, amassing a total of 378 points to stand atop the podium.
That set the club apart from runners-up Basildon Phoenix who accumulated 374 points while RTW Monson claimed third place in 290 points.
Camden’s head coach Adam Taylor commented on his squad’s performance, “It’s fantastic to be able to retain the title again this year.
“To be back-to-back champions is a special achievement and it’s a proud day for everyone associated with Camden throughout the club programme. We’re looking forward to building on this and hopefully challenging for the Cup Final
next season.”
The top female swimmer was Amalie Smith of RTW Monson who captured 808 points for her outing of 2:15.36 in the 200m IM. The top male was Hayden Annan, also of RTW Monson, who scored 722 points, courtesy of is 55.65 in the 100m free.
Outside the National Arena League, Smith recently competed at the Luxembourg Euro Meet where the 15-year-old established a new British Age Record in the girls’ 400m IM.
Sunday – A-Final
Guildford City, too, retained its title from last year, capturing the A-final trophy ahead of Repton and Mount Kelly.
The former earned runner-up status with a total tally of 359 points while the latter rounded out the team podium in 331.
Guildford City’s victory means they have become the first club in National arena League history to retain both the senior and junior titles.
Head coach Lee Spindlow said of the achievement, “We have become the first club in history to hold both the Junior and Senior Arena League Trophies in back-to-back seasons.
“This is an incredible achievement only made possible by the hard work of our coaches, management team, parents and volunteers.
“The victory in the water was made possible by the hard work and commitment by all our swimmers.
“We are naturally pleased for those who competed so admirably in Cardiff but equally those back at home played a big part in the success. We have a really strong culture that sees everyone supporting everyone through training and competition.
“‘The Guildford Way’ of coaching is developing real success and producing excellent people.
“This success really was down to hard work, commitment and a strong club culture.”
Repton swimmer Eva Okaro, the reigning World Junior Record holder in the SCM 50 free, earned the top female prize for hr time of 55.65 in the 100m free.
Teammate Jacob Mills grabbed the top male honors as a result of his 49.82 performance in the boys’ 100m free.
