Competitive swimming is about development, standards and belonging. Phoebe’s journey through Bluefins shows what is possible when opportunity and expectation sit side by side. From Sharks Disability Squad to the competitive pathway, from mainstream meets to para classification, her story reflects integration, resilience and steady progression.

National research has reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression among UK swimming coaches. While Bluefins does not reflect these findings, the study offers a timely reminder that coaching carries demands that deserve recognition and support. The research, published in The Sport Psychologist by Nottingham Trent University and funded by the British Swimming Coaches Association, called for greater attention to coach wellbeing across the sport.

Bluefins 15yrs and over swimmers produced finalists across all stroke disciplines, with podium finishes secured in both individual and relay events across the Youth Championships. Finals representation spanned sprint freestyle, 50m stroke events, 100m all strokes, 200m stroke races, medley events and distance freestyle.

Why timing matters more than early success. As swimmers move through the early stages of competitive swimming, parents naturally begin to notice differences in progress. Some children appear to move ahead quickly, producing fast times, qualifying earlier than peers, or standing out physically within their age group. Many parents recognise the moment when a swimmer starts winning early and the question quietly shifts from “Are they enjoying this?” to “Should they be doing more

A good training session does not start when swimmers dive in. It starts before they even touch the water. A land warm up prepares both body and mind for the work ahead. When done properly, it improves movement quality, supports healthier joints and reduces the risk of injury as training demands increase. For many swimmers, it also sets the tone for how well the session begins.