Club Captains
Seniors
Ollie
How long have you been with Bluefins and your journey so far?
I started swimming competitively when I was eight at Reading, and moved to Bluefins when I was eleven. My first coach at Bluefins was David and my first competition with Bluefins was Arena League. I moved into Senior Performance Easter 2021.
Best moments (so far)?
Winning Gold in 200 Fly at this year's County Championships!
It was an amazing weekend and incredible to see so many Bluefins there. All the hard work (swimmers and coaches) in training is paying off!
What’s your favourite set?
This is tricky as I have two…..
My absolute favourite set is the 1600 IM pyramid, I love this set as its interesting and includes all the strokes.
But the best set for me is 10 x 200 Fly off 3 minutes. This is really beneficial for my 200 Fly and improves my backend speed.
Favourite competition?
This is hard to choose…2023 Counties was awesome, Winchester is a great facility and we had so many Bluefins qualify! But the 2022 Arena League was incredible, brilliant team spirit, amazing progress from the year before and we had a great time doing it!
What’s an interesting fact about you we may not know?
Fly was my worst stroke and I really disliked it until I was 14.
So keep training all strokes as you never know which will be your best one.
Jody
How long have you been with Bluefins and your journey so far?
I started with Bluefins in 2014 at 8 years old. I joined the squad Academy and started competing at 10 years old. I now swim in Senior Performance which I joined in 2019.
In my spare time I volunteer for Bluefins where I help Coach Emily with her squads and I also Officiate when I’m not competing.
Best moments (so far)?
After not being able to get a PB for over a year in 200 backstroke, it all came together at Maidenhead where I dropped 7 seconds. Having Keone supporting me that day helped me have the confidence to achieve a time I never thought I could.
What’s your favourite set?
My favourite set is 24 x 100s Backstroke and anything that involves kick, as kick is one of my strengths.
Favourite competition?
My favourite competitions so far would have to be club champs 2022 because I achieved some great times and being able to support others was rewarding. Also Arena league in 2022 as the atmosphere was incredible and it was nice to see everyone supporting as a team.
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What’s an interesting fact about you we may not know?
At first I hated being in water but I was told if I wanted to go on holiday and take part in snorkelling I had to learn how to swim.
Juniors
Amelia
How long have you been with Bluefins and your journey so far?
I first joined Bluefins in 2020 but properly started swimming with them in 2021 due to covid-19.
I began racing when I got into Junior Race (the equivalent of Competitive Development) and immediately loved the environment! I love cheering people on and I got the nickname ‘chief cheerer’ from Emily! I love swimming and I always have!
Best moments (so far)?
This is a really tricky question because there have been so many best bits!...but one of my favourite moments would have to be joining Keone’s squad because I like being pushed to my limits. I used to love ‘rock/paper/scissors’ with Emily too – this was always good for cheering and got our squad really close friends!…and of course squad breakfasts after early training are also a memorable treat!
What’s your favourite set?
Well until yesterday I would have said anything other than a kick set!!...But yesterday morning we did a brutal set called ‘bucket set’ with Tom and Keone and it was so tough – I felt amazing afterwards and on such a high to have completed all of the times...I can’t wait to do it again. 😊
Favourite competition?
I love swimming in a 50m pool so I would have to say Hampshire Counties as I got to swim in a relay team too which was awesome!
What’s an interesting fact about you we may not know?
My second favourite sport is surfing! We go every year in Cornwall and I spend as much time in the water as possible -
I love it!
Daniel
How long have you been with Bluefins and your journey so far?
I started lessons with Bluefins in 2018, while getting the chance to do a Mini Gala. Afterwards, (easter 2019) I was invited to join Dev 2, becoming now more competitive with swimming. However, early 2020, lockdown happened preventing me (and many other swimmers) from training. Following lockdown, I went into the newly created Skills Academy Bronze and worked my way up with many inspiring coaches to where I am today – Age Group Performance.
Best moments (so far)?
Some of my most amazing moments so far have to be these ones: My first Counties (2022), I got into the finals for 50m Butterfly and being part of the Arena League team was exhilarating and I loved every second of it!
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What’s your favourite set?
My favourite set is 32x50s - 2 fast 1 easy because I love short distance sprints.
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Favourite competition?
My favourite competition is Arena League as it is so energetic, and it had so much energy! Moreover, my favourite races are the 50s and 100s as they are the fastest and the most competitive (in my opinion), which makes Arena League perfect for me as it is exactly that!
What’s an interesting fact about you we may not know?
Before Bluefins, when I was 8 years old, I swam in the London Aquatics Centre (the London Olympic Pool) for a Swimathon, this was my first experience in a 50m pool.
