Henry’s ‘Sprint with the Stars’

Year 5 student, Henry, took part in the ‘Sprint with the Stars’ event at the end of the summer holidays.
It was his first experience of competing in a 50m Olympic sized pool.

To prepare for the event, during August, Henry spent time training in a 50m Olympic size pool in Lanzarote and also attended an Adam Peaty Race Clinic - a one day technique and training course at Oundle School in Peterborough. He was fired up and ready to go when he arrived in London. Not only was he excited about the event itself but also about meeting David Popovici - the world’s fastest swimmer at just 18 years of age!

Henry stayed at the Olympic Park, in the same hotel as the athletes, where Henry was delighted to meet Mr Popovici the night before the race. Henry took part in each of the four heats and qualified into all four finals. Being introduced by name onto the poolside for each of the finals was a real highlight of the event - lights, music and pyrotechnics all made it all feel extremely exciting for Henry, and at such an amazing venue - the London Aquatic Center!

Henry enjoyed sitting with each of the ‘Star Swimmers’ in the Call Room prior to the finals and to stand on the blocks and race in lanes next to the fastest swimmers in the world really was a highlight of Henry’s summer. Henry gave it his absolute all and was delighted with his results, especially securing another British ranked top spot for his age group in the backstroke. Henry is now back in full time training; preparing for his next event which will take place in October, where he will race at the John Charles pool in Leeds at the Yorkshire Championships.

Well done Henry! We look forward to following his swimming journey.