On the 14th November the Kent Development Meet was held at Medway Park Leisure Centre. This was well attended by Orpington Ojays junior swimmers and it proved to be a very successful afternoon by those representing the club.
They all raced really well with lots of personal best times recorded and many medals won.
Gold medals to Kate Ridley and David Johanson, Silver Medals to Kate Ridley, Isabelle Minter-Paye and David Johanson, Bronze Medals to Louis Goff, Fay Gibson and Isabelle Minter-Paye.
Well done to all those who attended it was a great achievement against strong competition.
Kent Junior League - Final round 20th Nov 2010
Tuesday 23rd November 2010
The final round of the KJL 2010 was looking very exciting , this was the first year we have been in the Top division. The other teams competing were Beckenham A, Thanet, Sevenoaks A, Black Lion and City of Canterbury. The team that finished in 6th position overall is relegated to the division below.
Orpington Ojays put in another excellent performance with 8 individual pb times from the following swimmers David Johansen (2) Sebastian Stewart, Henry Choong (2), Charlotte Gregory , Antony Wilson, Holly Andrews and Oliver Randall.
Three first places were also achieved by Sebastian Stewart, Oliver Randall, Georgia Harris and the Boys 11u Medley relay team.
The team also achieved a further either 22 either 2nd or 3rd places.
The culmination of these results meant that we came 4th on the night. We are waiting for confirmation of the final league position however we are safe in Division 1 next year. ! Well done to all the fantastic swimmers!!!
Barcelona!
Tuesday 9th November 2010
The less serious side !
Sarah
Calella (Barcelona) 2010 - Top squad.
Sunday 31st October 2010
Twenty swimmers from Top Squad attended the 2010 Warm Weather Training Camp to Calella, Barcelona during half term. A fantastic time was had by all enjoying the tough and intensive pool and land-based training throughout the week. All took up the challenge without anyone missing any of the sessions! Warm and sunny weather, excellent facilities and plenty of good food helped to complete another (the fifth!) successful training camp.
All swimmers that attended were a credit to the club and I have been overwhelmed by positive feedback from swimmers, parents and other clubs (at the venue) during the week and since we have been back.
Well done to all of you that attended and thankyou to Margaret, Sarah and Benjamin for your help and support throughout the week.
Simon
White Horse League Trophy Winners! - WHL Rd 6 2/10
Tuesday 19th October 2010
We hosted the final round of the White Horse League at Whitgift School looking to secure overall league points win and trophy for 2010. With a very strong performance from all swimmers and excellent team moral on the night we were able to start the evening with a commanding lead. This lead was extended as the evening progressed as Orpington Ojays swimmers posted numerous personal best times and first places.
A convincing win by the end ensured the club being awarded the league trophy on the night, gladly received by the Team Captains and celebrated by one big team "bomb" into the pool!
Congratulations to ALL swimmers that were a part of the team throughout the year!
Second round of the Kent Junior League First divi
Wednesday 22nd September 2010
A very successful and exciting evening was had by the Orpington Ojays swimming team at the second round of the Kent Junior League Gala at Beckenham Spa on Saturday 11th Sept. We were swimming against the Top teams in Kent (Beckenham, Thanet, Canterbury, Black Lion and Sevenoaks).
There were a large number of pb times posted, and some very good results.
Jessica Frankland got the team off to the best possible start in the first event with a win and a pb. Pbs were also achieved by a further 14 swimmers. Joseph Gaster (2), Lily Snell, Samuel Gaster, Amy Chick, ,Kaya Salih, Michael Jacobs, Louis Goff, David Johansen (2), Charlotte Gregory, Joshua Bedford Eatwell, Jessica Sellar (2), Charis Mills, Rebekah Noakes and Kate Ridley. First places were also achieved by Lily Snell, Georgia Harris, Kate Ridley and Holly Andrews.
The final result on the night left us with an improved standing from the first round with a joint 4th position. Lets look forward to the final round which will be closely contested to see who remains in the first division next year. Well done everybody !
Simon
White Horse League - Round 5 Sept 4th 2010
Tuesday 7th September 2010
The first gala of the new 2010 season started with the 5th round (penultimate) of the White Horse League. Supporters and swimmers lived up to expectation with fine voices as well as exciting swims !
Considering we had all just returned from limited summer swimming and holidays we had a surprising number of pbs (9) with many others very close. We gave a strong Beckenham team (which included at least 6 National swimmers ) a good run for their money.
We had a total of 13 firsts and 20 second places. Individual first places were gained by Michael Jacobs (2) , Amy Chick, Oliver Coe (2), Sebastian Stewart, Georgia Harris, James May, Emily Coe, Esme Swaffield .
Pbs were achieved by Amy Chick (2), Joseph Gaster (2), Sophie Livett, Charlotte Gregory, Sebastian Stewart, Chris Miles and Kaya Salih.
The current League table with one gala to go, puts Orpington Ojays ahead by 4 points. The final White Horse League Gala is being hosted by us at Trinity on Oct 2nd, Hopefully with a strong team and good turnout we will retain the Trophy ! Well done everybody ! Simon
ASA National Youth Championships - Ponds Forge 201
Sunday 15th August 2010
Congratulations to Oliver Coe for this year's achievements at the National Championships. Representing the club in three events spread over five days (100m backstroke, 200m backstroke & 100m breaststroke)for the first time he posted two new long course personal best times in both 100m events. His overrall placings in the 16 year age group were 11th (100m back) 17th (200m back) and 21st (100m breast), just missing out on a semi final place by 3 hundreds of a second!
Well done!
ASA National Age Group Championships - Ponds Forge
Friday 30th July 2010
Michael Jacobs represented OOSC in his first National Championships this week in Sheffield . He qualified for 2 events 100m and 200m backstroke. First up was the 100m back although a little nervous at the start , he used this to his advantage and was first at the turn - finishing 3rd in his heat and in an overall 19th position ( in a pb time).
Today he swam in the 200m back and again started out in front after 50m, but came under tough competition in the latter stage of the race. He managed a fantastic performance of 28th (out of 40). He swam the 200 in the second best time he has ever swum !
Excellent week at the Nationals and Congratulations Michael, I am very proud of you !
Simon
Oliver Coe & Michael Jacobs - National Qualifiers
Thursday 22nd July 2010
Congratulations to Oliver Coe, in the 16 year olds age group, who has qualified in the 100m Backstroke in 1.02.86 at the Regional Champs on 1st May 2010, 200m Backstroke in 2.14.40 at Regional Champs on 1st May 2010 and 100m Breaststroke in 1.11.54 at Sheffield on 6th December 2009. Also congratulations to Michael Jacobs, in the 11 year olds age group, who has qualified in the 100m Backstroke on 1st May 2010 and 200m Backstroke in 2.40.94 at Regional Champs on 1st May 2010.
On Monday night, Head Coach Simon Coe continued his precedent of presenting Orpington Ojays National qualifying swimmers with a memento of their achievement in qualifying to swim in the National Championships. Simon emphasized that just qualifying was no mean feat and that the swimmers and the club should be extremely proud.
Whilst this is the first time Michael has qualified as he is still quite young, Olly has qualified an impressive three times before. With a new season ready to start when they return from Sheffield, hopefully Olly and Michael along with Simon and the coaching team can inspire all our swimmers to train hard to achieve their full potential.
Simon will be attending The National Championships and will keep us all up to date with how the boys get on. All that remains is to wish them both every success in their events.
London Region Sprints 11th July 2010
Sunday 11th July 2010
This years London Sprints gala was held at Crystal Palace and attended by a large number of Orpington Ojays swimmers representing many age groups. Many long course pbs were achieved and there were a large number of swimmers who won 1st – 3rd place medals and ribbons for 4th – 8th places.
Medals and ribbons were won for freestyle by the following swimmers, Josh Bedford Eatwell, Joseph Gaster,Jack Dickerson, James May, Oliver Coe, Katie Napier, Isabelle Minter Paye , Holly Andrews, Georgia Harris, Kate Ridley, Chloe Ashley, Emily Coe, Rebecca Harvey and Saffron Salih.
For butterfly the following were given awards Sebastian Stewart, Josh Bedford Eatwell , Oliver Randall, Joseph Gaster, Sam Harvey, Oliver Coe, Georgia Harris, Saffron Salih and Rebecca Harvey. Michael Jacobs and Amy Chick were placed first.
Backstroke awards were given to Kaya Salih, Oliver Randall, Joseph Gaster, James May, Chris Miles, Kate Ridley, Georgia Harris, Emily Coe and saffron Salih. First places for Amy Chick and Holly Andrews.
Breaststroke awards were given to Josh Bedford eatwell, Oliver Randall, Michael Jacobs, Joseph Gaster, Lewis Groombridge, Chris Miles, Georgia Harris, Esme Swaffield and Emily Coe. First places were for Sebastian Stewart , James May and Holly Andrews.
A brilliant and successful day for Orpington Ojays at Crystal Palace ending up with Top Girl places for Holly Andrews and Amy Chick. WELL DONE EVERYONE
White Horse League Round 3 - 19 first places!
Tuesday 29th June 2010
The third round of the White Horse League held at Beckenham Spa was again successful for Orpington Ojays with a convincing win on the night. Held the same evening as Regional Championships at Crystal Palace the team had a slightly different look than the previous round and provided some swimmers with different swimming opportunities.
Everyone swam very well and cheered the loudest. This helped to inspire 12 personal best times for; Holly Andrews, Joseph Gaster(2), Sam Harvey, Matt Steere, Oliver Coe, Charlotte Gregory, Georgia Harris, Jack Dickerson, Amy Chick, Holly Baronti and David Johansen.
There were also 19 first placings for; Amy Chick, Holly Andrews, Saffron Salih, Holly Baronti (2), San Harvey, Oliver Coe, Charlotte Gregory, Sebastian Stewart, Georgia Harris, Joseph Gaster, Emily Coe, Girls 11/u freestyle & medley teams, Boys 11/u freestyle & medley teams, Girls 13/u freestyle & medley teams and Girls 15/u medley team.
Congratulations to all who swam and thank you to everyone that supported on the night.
London Regional Championships 2010 - Medals, Title
Sunday 20th June 2010
For the past month a large number of Orpington Ojays have been competing in individual and relay events at the Regional Championships, held at Crystal Palace. This prestigious event is a competition level above the County Championships with many national standard and Champion swimmers competing!
The Championships are divided into two age groups; Youths (girls 14yrs+, boys 15yrs+) held in May and BAGCATs (girls 10-13yrs, boys 10-14yrs) held in June.
All swimmers swam well with many personal best (long course) times with 23 finalists; Emily Coe 4th 200m Breaststroke, 6th 50m Breaststroke &100m Breaststroke. James May 8th 100m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke & 200m Freestyle. Michael Jacobs 7th 200m Backstroke. Henry Choong 8th 200m Backstroke. Lewis Groombridge 4th 100m Breaststroke & 200m Breaststroke. Georgia Harris 5th 200m Butterfly. Boys 11-14yrs 400m Freestyle 6th and Medley team 7th. Girls 11-13yrs 800m Freestyle team 6th
Two swimmers went a step further winning medals for top three placings. Sebastian Stewart gained a bronze medal in the 200m Breaststroke and also became Regional Champion for the 100m Breaststroke in the 10yrs age group. Oliver Coe gained silver medals in 100m Breaststroke, Backstroke and 50m Breaststroke. He also achieved gold medals for his 50m Backstroke and 200m Backstroke for the 15/16yrs age group.
During these swims two swimmers also achieved National Championships qualifying times. Michael Jacobs 200m Backstroke and Oliver Coe 100m & 200m Backstroke.
Overall another exciting and successful year at these championships. Well done and congratulations to everyone that competed.
SE Regional Biathlon - Everyone makes the National
Monday 10th May 2010
A select number entered the SE Regional National qualifier this Sunday and once again swimmers from Ojays impressed in the pool and certainly did not look like fish out of water on the track! As normal the weather was cold, damp and windy - just in time for the running at midday! The day started early for Jessica Sellar with warm up at 9.30am in the pool. However the early start did not seem to make a difference as producing a 5th place in the 50m swim and an even better 4th place in the 1000m on the track meant a 5th position overall. Next up were our Youth D Team consisting of Oliver Randall, Kaya Salih and Jake Potter who finished 4th, 7th and 11th in the 50m swim and then 5th, 8th and 6th with some outstanding 1000m runs, to finish 4th, 7th and 10th overall. Adding to their individual success they qualified for the Nationals in 2nd place as a team. Rebekah Noakes had the largest entry for any one age group - 37 in total. However, after a 3 second PB in the 50m swim placing her 4th, she produced an amazing 1000m run to gain 5th place overall and book her place in the finals. Unfortunately as you get older the distances in the swim and run get longer and Sam Harvey this year has moved up to the 200m swim and 2000m run. But after his extended holiday in Florida this was no problem for Sam. A reasonable swim putting him in 4th place but a determined run maintained his 4th place overall against some very strong competition. Finally it was left to Emily Coe and Christopher Miles to ensure all our competitors reached the finals, both having to do a 200m swim and a 3000m run. Both had good swims placing them in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Emily, having run the 3000m last year, knew what she was in for and paced her run to ensure 5th place overall. Christopher was new to this age group so it was his first time at 3000m and was against a very strong field. He found the going tough but held on for 6th which secured a place in the final. Also competing from the club were Henry(back from his broken arm) and his brother Joseph Choong who also qualified for the finals finishing 2nd and 1st in their respective categories but representing Whitgift School. So congratulations to all and roll on Liverpool for the finals. Sandra Miles
The Marjorie Fountain Rose Bowl Gala April 24th 20
Wednesday 5th May 2010
The Marjorie Fountain Rose Bowl Gala at Dartford proved to be a great deal of fun
and success for Orpington Ojays Swimming Club.
The Orpington Ojays Team provided an outstanding performance to be placed third at the end on the day. A higher finishing position would have been inevitable had it not been for a few “speeding tickets” for a number of swimmers whose times couldn’t be registered for points and positions as they were just too good and fast on the day.
First places were achieved by:-
Rachel Dickerson, Tom Blundell, Ben Garwood, Jessica Farrow, Anthony Wilson,
Katherine Taylor and Shauna Hancock
Congratulations to all of those who took part and the support throughout the competition
Orpington Ojays SC Open - Medway Park 17th 18th Ap
Tuesday 20th April 2010
In the face of all adversity and natural disasters( Volcanoes etc) We held our annual Open event at a re-furbished Black Lion in Gillingham, now re-named as Medway Park . It was touch and go as to whether the Open went ahead as we had helpers, officials and swimmers stuck in far away places such as America, Vienna and Portugal.
However the weather was fantastic over the weekend and our newly added distance events on the Saturday evening were a success. We had a phenomenal response from parents, helpers and officials, co-ordinated by Sandra Miles.
The swimmers were amazing and due to the large number of 1st – 6th places and pb`s from our club we managed to re-gain our new Top Club Trophy that Black Lion won last year. The event this year was sponsored by Brennttag, Tesco Extra, Red hairdressing, The Nail Room and Bandbox.
Thank you to everyone who helped this successful event go ahead, Well done to all the swimmers !
Orpington Ojays SC Easter Training Camp
Tuesday 13th April 2010
Our Easter training Camp is currently being held at Sevenoaks School. Today Liam Tancock (Current World record holder 50m back) popped in to say Hello to all the Ojays swimmers . Thanks to Liam for visiting us and also special thanks for his patience and for autographing all Tshirts (trainers, floats etc). Extra photos can be found in the photo gallery section.
Final Weekend of 2010 Kent County Championships
Friday 12th March 2010
The final weekend of the Kent County Championships included a day of individual swims followed by Sundays relays.
There were 33 pbs on Saturday. The following swimmers achieved finalist places Sam, Harvey, Chris Miles, James Lawrence, Lily Snell, Charis Mills, Charlotte Gregory, Sebastian Stewart, Henry Choong , Oliver Coe, Emily Coe, Georgia Harris, Jessica Frankland, Michael Jacobs, Katie Davis and Matthew Brown.
Third places were gained by Oliver Coe, Katie Davis, Michael Jacobs, Sam Harvey, Chris Miles, Sebastian Stewart, Georgia Harris Amy Chick and Jessica Frankland
Second place was gained by Michael Jacobs in the 200 IM.
Oliver Coe managed another first in the 50m backstroke (15 yrs).
On Sunday during the relay session, four teams made the finals and they were
Boys 15/16/medley (200m), Boys 16u freestyle (200m), Boys 15/16 freestyle (200m) and the girls 12u freestyle team (200m).
The Boys 16u freestyle team swam to finish in 3rd position and all took home bronze medals. The final race of the 2010 Kent County Championships was the girls 12u freestyle relay. The team of Lizzie Bennett, Chloe Ashley, Holly Andrews and Charlotte Smith all swam exceptionally well in a very exciting nail biting race where they finished in 3rd position narrowly missing out on second place.
Special Congratulations must go to all the Kent County title holders,and Henry and Oli for their event best performances and Oli for a Kent County record in a National qualifying time.
We were also well represented in the final Bagcat point positions with Top ten positions for Sebastian Stewart (4th), Antony Wilson (6th), Lily Snell (6th) in the 9 years category. In the 10 yrs Michael Jacobs was 2nd, Amy Chick 3rd, Oliver Randall (7th), Charis Mills (7th) and Charlotte Gregory (8th). In the 11 years Georgia Harris was 4th. In the 12years Henry Choong was 3rd, Jessica Frankland 9th and Joseph Gaster 9th.
Fantastic performances by everybody throughout the whole months championships!
WELL DONE.
Kent County Swimmers
Tuesday 9th March 2010
All of our Kent County 2010 Championship swimmers
Kent County Champs -week 3 - More County titles fo
Tuesday 9th March 2010
Duriing the Third weekend of the Kent County Championships there was an impressive total of 63 personal best times. The following swimmers achieved finalist places Sam Harvey, Christopher Miles, James Lawrence, Lily Snell, Amy Chick, Charlotte Smith, Georgia Harris, Sebastian Stewart, Michael Jacobs,Henry Choong, Oliver Coe, Katie Davis, Emily Coe, Jessica Frankland, Emily Davison, Antony Wilson, Lewis Groombridge, Charlotte Gregory and Joseph Gaster.
3rd places were gained by the following swimmers Chris Miles (2), Amy Chick, Lily Snell, Henry Choong and Charlotte Gregory.
2nd positions were achieved by Michael Jacobs (3), Oliver Coe (2), Henry Choong.
The following swimmers gained County titles – Katie Davis (15 yrs 100m freestyle, Oliver Coe (15 yrs 200m backstroke, in an event best performance time and a new Kent county u16 record), Oliver also won (15 yrs 100m breaststroke and the 15 yrs 200m breaststroke as well). Henry Choong at the end of the weekend won the 12 yrs 400m freestyle.
Well done to you all !
Kent County Championships Week 2 – Further County
Tuesday 23rd February 2010
The second weekend of this year’s County Championship was held at Tunbridge Wells pool. This weekend held the 1500m and 800m events and this year Orpington Ojays had an increased number of swimmers. These distance events provided some exciting swimming and further success for our swimmers, with nearly all swimmers posting large personal best times and all reaching top 6 positions.
In the 1500m event held on Saturday, Christopher Miles secured 1st place in the 16yrs age group, Emily Coe 2nd (17/18yrs) and Katie Coad 6th (13yrs).
On Sunday in the 800m Henry Choong gained 1st place in an event best performance time in the 12yrs age group, Oliver Coe 2nd (15yrs), Christopher Miles 2nd (16yrs) and Joseph Gaster 5th (12yrs).
Congratulations to everyone that swam with such success in these tough events!
Kent County Champs - 13th/14th Feb 2010
Monday 15th February 2010
THE first session of the Kent County Championships started off with a total of 15 pbs. First places were gained by Oli Coe (50m breast) Amy Chick came 2nd in the 400m free with a large pb. Third place was gained by Michael Jacobs (200m breast). There were also finalist positions gained by Georgia Harris, Henry Choong and Rebecca Harvey.
The second session of the weekend saw Jessica Frankland gain a first place in the 200m fly and Oli Coe 1st in the 100m back. Second positions were gained by Emily Coe (200m breast). Michael Jacobs came 2nd in the 50m free. Finalists were also the Mens Open 100m Medley, Chris Miles, Henry Choong, and Georgia Harris.
The third session started with a first place for Henry Choong in the 200 free, and a second place for both Amy Chick and Michael Jacobs in the 200m free. Finalists also were Emily Coe, Michael Jacobs, Matthew Brown, Charis Mills and Georgia Harris.
The final session included a third place for Henry Choong in 100m back and 3rd place in the 100 IM. Ollie Randall, Oli Coe and Emily Coe gained finalist places.
Overall, great performances culminating in a total of 43 pbs over the whole weekend. Some fantastic swims ! Congratulations to the 4 County Champions. Well done to everyone, particularly to all those in their first County Championships, let`s look forward to the 800m and 1500m events next weekend.
White Horse League Sat 23rd Jan 2010
Tuesday 2nd February 2010
With the clash between the first White Horse League Gala and the Kent Schools Gala, we had several members of our team missing as they were swimming for their schools at Black Lion. However the team performed very well achieving first places in 15 events. These are the individual 1st places - Michael Jacobs (2), Holly Andrews, Henry Choong (2), Katie Davis, Sebastian Stewart, Holly Baronti (2),and Matt Steere. The 13u girls Medley and Freestyle relays came 1st as did the boys 13u Medley relay, and also the girls and boys 11u Medley relay. Pbs were as follows - Joseph Gaster, Sophie Livett, Holly Andrews, Charis Mills, Sebastion Stewart, Amy Chick and Henry Choong. From the beginning of the Gala we were positioned 2nd behind Beckenham and we slowly closed the points gap with the final score finding us in second position , five points behind Beckenham who were the winners on the night. Well done everybody.
Dervis Konuralp (Paralympian) presents awards at
Friday 29th January 2010
"A fantastic evening was had last Friday at the Orpington Ojays SC presentation evening at the Alexandra Suite .Dervis Konuralp is pictured here with some of the Special trophy winners and Top swimmers in each age group. It was brilliant to have both Jemma and Dervis there, the swimmers really appreciated being able to speak to Dervis and see and hold his medals. Many of them would like to have been wearing his GB tracksuit ! ( including Simon and Matt). Thanks to Jemma and Dervis for also presenting the Swim 21 certificates to our Chairman Trevor Oliver. The evening has marked a fabulous year where Orpington Ojays have been very successful in many galas and Opens and been promoted to the first division of the Kent Junior League and also more recently promoted to the Premier division of the National Arena League . Well done to all our swimmers, parents, supporters and Coaches. Well done to everyone !
Orpington Ojays Win the Beacon Relay Gala
Sunday 24th January 2010
Orpington Ojays New 2010 Captains Chris Miles ,Rebecca Harvey, Clare Folkes and Vice Captain Oliver Coe collect the trophy from todays Beacon relay gala at Beckenham Spa. Well done everyone!