As another demanding and successful season comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been an extremely positive year for Borough of Harrow Swimming Club.
First and foremost, I would like to thank every swimmer, parent, coach, teacher, committee member, official and volunteer who has contributed to the club throughout the season. The progress and achievements we have celebrated would not have been possible without the commitment, teamwork and support shown across the entire club.
This season has brought success at every level of our programme. We have watched swimmers develop their skills, improve their technique, achieve personal-best times, qualify for higher-level competitions, reach championship finals and stand on national podiums.
However, the true strength of our club is not measured only by medals, rankings or qualification times. It can also be seen in the swimmer who attends consistently, the swimmer who completes a challenging set without giving up, the swimmer who overcomes disappointment and returns determined to improve, and the teammate who encourages and supports others.
Every improvement matters, and every swimmer who has worked hard and progressed this season should be proud of what they have achieved.
Success on the National Stage
One of the major highlights of the season was seeing Mia Garner represent Borough of Harrow Swimming Club at the British Nationals.
Qualifying for the British Championships is an exceptional achievement. It placed Mia among the leading swimmers in the country and provided her with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of domestic swimming.
Reaching this standard requires far more than talent alone. It is the result of years of commitment, disciplined training, early mornings, challenging sessions and a determination to continue improving. Mia represented the club with great pride, and her British Nationals appearance was a significant moment for both her and Borough of Harrow Swimming Club.
The season then concluded with further outstanding performances at the Swim England National Summer Meet.
Petros Soteriou competed in the 200m Freestyle and produced an excellent performance to finish 12th nationally. Finishing so highly against some of the strongest swimmers in the country was a tremendous achievement and demonstrated the progress Petros has made throughout the season.
Mia Garner continued her successful national campaign in the 200m Breaststroke. After qualifying for the final ranked seventh, Mia delivered an outstanding performance under pressure. She moved through the field to finish third, secure a magnificent national bronze medal, and record a new personal-best time of 2:43.92.
To improve from seventh after the heats to third in the final demonstrated Mia’s competitive strength, composure and determination when it mattered most.
Dragos Musteate also enjoyed an excellent National Summer Meet, reaching two national finals.
Dragos first qualified for the final of the 100m Butterfly, where he finished 10th nationally. He returned the following day for the 50m Butterfly and once again secured a place in the final.
After qualifying in eighth position, Dragos produced a superb final swim to move up two places, finish sixth nationally, and set a new personal-best time of 27.47.
Reaching two national finals over consecutive days is an outstanding accomplishment and reflects the consistency, speed and determination Dragos has demonstrated throughout the season.
Welsh National Championships
We have also been extremely proud to see Dylan Roberts and Macsen Roberts representing the club at the Welsh National Championships.
Dylan reached the final of the 200m Freestyle and finished seventh with a time of 2:07.26. He also qualified for the 50m Breaststroke final, where he finished fifth in 34.68, and placed 11th in the 100m Freestyle with a time of 58.23.
Macsen also produced an excellent series of performances, finishing just outside the medals with fourth place in the 50m Breaststroke final in 35.33. He also qualified for the 200m Breaststroke final, finishing seventh in 2:51.04.
Both swimmers still have further races remaining, and we wish Dylan and Macsen every success in the 50m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke, as well as Macsen’s additional events in the 200m Individual Medley and 50m Butterfly.
Qualifying for national championships and competing successfully at this level is a tremendous achievement. Dylan and Macsen have represented the club with great determination, and we are very proud of everything they have accomplished.
Progress Throughout the Club
While our national-level achievements have provided a fantastic conclusion to the season, I would also like to recognise the progress made throughout every part of the club.
Many swimmers have achieved county, regional and national qualification times. Others have competed for the club for the first time, improved their racing skills, progressed to a higher squad or achieved personal bests after months of hard work.
Every one of these achievements is important.
Competitive swimming is a long-term journey. Progress is not always immediate, and there will inevitably be difficult sessions, disappointing races and periods when improvement feels slower than expected. The swimmers who continue to attend, listen, learn and work consistently are the swimmers who ultimately give themselves the best opportunity to succeed.
The coaching team has been particularly encouraged by the resilience, maturity and team spirit shown by so many swimmers this season. We have seen teammates supporting one another at training and competitions, celebrating each other’s achievements and representing Borough of Harrow Swimming Club with pride.
That culture is something we must continue to protect and strengthen.
Thank You to Our Club Community
I would like to express my sincere thanks to our entire coaching and teaching team for their professionalism, commitment and dedication.
Coaching a competitive swimming programme involves many hours of planning, preparation, poolside delivery, competition support and individual feedback. The progress we have seen this season reflects the collective work of everyone involved in supporting our swimmers.
I would also like to thank our committee members, officials and volunteers. From organising competitions and processing entries to officiating, supporting events, managing administration and helping behind the scenes, your contribution is essential to the continued success of the club.
A special thank you must also go to our parents and families.
We recognise the commitment involved in supporting a competitive swimmer. Early-morning journeys, late evenings, weekend competitions and the practical and emotional support provided at home all play an important part in a swimmer’s development.
Your encouragement and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the summer break, I encourage every swimmer to take time to rest, recover and reflect on the season.
Be proud of what you have achieved, but also think carefully about what you would like to accomplish next. The beginning of a new season provides every swimmer with a fresh opportunity to establish good habits, improve attendance, train with greater purpose and set ambitious but realistic goals.
When training resumes on 2 September, we will begin a new chapter for the club.
The standards and expectations will remain high. We want our swimmers to be ambitious, disciplined and committed, but we also want them to enjoy their swimming, support their teammates and take pride in representing Borough of Harrow Swimming Club.
To Petros, Mia, Dragos, Dylan and Macsen, congratulations on your national achievements. You have represented the club with distinction and provided inspiration for the younger swimmers following in your footsteps.
To every swimmer across our squads and Learn to Swim programme, thank you for your hard work this season. Whether your achievement was a national medal, a personal best, a squad progression, mastering a new skill or simply becoming more confident in the water, your progress is valued and should be celebrated.
Enjoy a well-earned summer break and return refreshed, motivated and ready for the opportunities and challenges of the new season.
Thank you for representing Borough of Harrow Swimming Club with commitment, determination and pride.
Daniel Andrawos
Head Coach
Borough of Harrow Swimming Club