8 Galas, 40 Events, hundreds of pb's and Kent Times and nearly 1,000 individual swims - yes club champs is over for another year folks!
Well done to all our swimmers, supporters, helpers and coaches who have invested their time helping make Club Champs 2012 a big success. A special big huge OJAYS' thank you to Kathy Hook of Beckenham, who despite a horrendous cold, was our second referee for Gala 8.
Next year we are reviewing the way Club Champs is organised and run in terms of timing, points etc. We need a small group of parents who have some knowledge of swimming to help move this forward. Please see Karen or Yvonne.
NATIONAL ARENA DIVISION 1 - FINAL GALA
Tuesday 11th December 2012
Competing in the top 6 competition for the first time in a few years, Orpington Ojays swimmers had their work cut out for them. We were fighting for promotion against some top clubs in our area. Having swum against a few of the clubs in previous rounds we knew gaining promotion would be a tough task. With some fine swims for many swimmers producing many PB's for most of the gala we were only 2 or 3 points off 3rd place. In the final quarter of the gala the strength and depth of the other clubs shone through and we were pushed into 5th place. However we were only 11 points off coming 3rd a massive improvement from our final 10th position last year. Special mention must go to every swimmer for not 1 disqualification in the last round and also Joe Gaster, who through his dedication and hard work has not only gained himself a Zonal qualification time but also a new club record that has stood for 12 years.
The final league placings were as follows-
1st Chelmsford
2nd Hastings
3rd Dover
4th Crawley
5th ORPINGTON OJAYS
6th Croydon
Very well done for every swimmer who took part in any or all of the 3 rounds. Thanks must also go to all of our officials and team managers over the last 3 rounds
Success @ Maidstone
Monday 3rd December 2012
Orpington Ojays swimmers attended the Maidstone Open on Sunday 25th November with all swimmers putting in an excellent performance resulting in 38 medals, 52 Top Six Placing and 79PBs –and no DQs! We were just beaten to Top Club by Maidstone.
19 Gold medals awarded to - Callum Baronti, Alice Bennett, Christopher Lee(2), Daniella Shipley, Louis Goff(2) Antony Wilson, Rebecca Shipley(2) Rachel Langdown, Clio Bacon, Davd Johansen, Ellie Hazell, Fay Gibson, Josh Kitchener, Elizabeth Bennett, Kate Ridley, Alex Sandman
12 Silver medals – Daniella Shipley, Georgina Baxter-Smith, Chloe Ashley, Elizabeth Bennett, Lewis Groombridge, Jessica Sellar, Ellie Hazell, Jake Potter, Lilli Cutajar, Callum Baronti, Sam Harvey (2)
7 Bronze medals – Isabelle Minter-Paye, Clio Bacon, Holly Baronti, Katie Napier, Elizabeth Bennett, Josh Kitchener, Lewis Groombridge.
14 4th – 6th place awards: Josh Martin (2), Holly Baronti (2) Lewis Groombridge (2) Alice Bennett Lilli Jones Rebecca Shipley, Ben Strover, Thomas Bennett, Alex Sandeman, Fay Gibson, Rachel Langdown,
Well done to all our swimmers and our nine year olds – Alicia, Georgina, Max, Callum and Connor for whom this would have been their first open event. Thank you to our two judges Mandy and Karen, team manager Sarah C and coach Richard plus parents for your support.
Birchmore Smashes 7 Junior World Records
Monday 3rd December 2012
Last month at the DSISO World Open Championships in Loano, Italy Billy Birchmore swam like a hero. At this 5 day meet, Billy won gold in the 200m free and breast, silver in the 100m free, fly and 100m freestyle relay and a bronze in 50m fly. In addition to setting seven new Junior World Records – one of which was his own! he also set a new Junior European Record in the 50m fly.
Well down Billy and coaches Richard and Clare for an amazing season so far.
Liam Tancock’s Backstroke Course
Friday 16th November 2012
The course held by Liam last Sunday was a great success. It was attended by many Orpington Ojays swimmers, from those in younger squads such as Silver and Gold all the way through to swimmers in Top squad and all thoroughly enjoyed it. It started with an inspirational speech about his dedication to swimming, we learnt about what it was like to live life as an Olympic swimmer. The swimmers all took on board the advice that Liam gave them and at the end of the talk were free to ask him any questions at all. This was great as it allowed younger and older swimmers to get expert advice on dieting, training and many other things related to swimming.
After this, the swimmers headed for the pool, ready to swim with the world record holder Liam Tancock. We were taught from the master himself, demonstrating how key our streamlining was after every turn, and he went into every detail to help us improve. By him demonstrating what must happen himself, the swimmers jumped in, and copied the drill to perfection. It also helped us improve on our dives when Liam showed us how to clear the water and the key foot placements.
Not only did this course get the swimmers involved, but also the parents who also took great interest in the session. Overall, I believe the course was a great success as the swimmers left with knowledge of how to improve their backstroke as well as great motivation and inspiration.
I would therefore like to say a great big thank you, on behalf of all the swimmers, to Liam for him coming along and giving up his time for us and also to Matt who arranged and planned it all.
Joe Gaster
Liam Tancock Inspires
Thursday 15th November 2012
On Sunday 11th November World Champion, World Record Holder, Olympic finalist and Commonwealth Games Champion, Liam Tancock came to Sevenoaks School to inspire some young Orpington Ojays swimmers and give a talk about his Olympic experience. The afternoon consisted of a talk about the experience and how he had enjoyed conversations with Usain Bolt and dinner with Mo Farah. Following the chat Liam and 36 of our enthusiastic future Olympians took to the pool to partake in a Backstroke skills session which included starts, turns and stroke rate practice.
It was great to see such an elite athlete sharing his knowledge to a captivated group of young swimmers in order for them to be inspired and hopefully be the future of British Swimming.
Despite torrential rain in the morning - this gala held at Black Lion in Gillingham was very well attended by OOJSC - it was especially encouraging to see so many of our younger swimmers in attendance.
Fantastic swims from everyone with the following swimmers achieving first places in their events :
Georgina Baxter-Smith - 50m fly, Callum Baronti – 50m fly, Georgina Baxter-Smith - 50m freestyle, Jessica Sellar 100m Breaststroke, Georgina Baxter-Smith 50m Breaststroke, Anna Cvjetan 50m fly, Rebecca Shipley 100m Backstroke, David Johansen – 100m backstroke, Clio Bacon – 100 IM, Max Leeves – 100 IM, Georgina Baxter-Smith – 100IM, Rebecca Shipley 50m Backstroke, Alice Bennett – 100m Freestyle, Katie Napier – 100m Freestyle, Christopher Lee – 100m Freestyle, Georgina Baxter-smith – 50m Backstroke.
Special mention goes to those who achieved speeding tickets (faster than the gala upper time limit) this included Callum Baronti x 2, Anna Cvjetan and Georgina Baxter-Smith. (Apologies if I’ve missed people off this list as the results don’t highlight speeding tickets!)
Congratulations to everyone who swam and thanks to Coach Richard and team managers Steve Bennett and Mandy Baronti.
National Arena League - The Points are In!
Monday 12th November 2012
Following some heroic swims on Saturday - full report to follow - the gala points and positions are in - Orpington Ojays has made it into the top and final round alongside Chelmsford, Hastings Seagulls, Croydon Amphibians, Dover Lifeguards & Crawley. Well done to all our swimmers.
The final round is on Saturday December 8th - please make sure you are available in case you are picked.
Top Training @Torremolinos
Sunday 28th October 2012
One Team Manager, Two Coaches and 17 very excited swimmers = The Start of Winter Training Camp. The day finally arrived when we said good bye to a large cahort of our Top Swimmers. Each day over the next seven days there will be two sessions of intensive outdoor 50m pool training, land training; and a little bit of fun such as scuba diving and beach games. There may even be time for a spot of sunbathing! The weather looks a balmy 21c ((70f) and wish all our swimmers an enjoyable camp.!
OOSC CLAIM WHITE HORSE LEAGUE TITLE
Sunday 21st October 2012
A quite sensational swim from the ORPINGTON OJAYS swimming squad secured the White Horse League title on Saturday evening at Eltham Pool.
Ojays went into the final round in second place behind Sevenoaks with Bromley being fractionally behind in third position.
The gala produced some stunning performances and our swimmers produced no fewer than 16 first places and 15 second places.
There were also numerous individual PB’s and relay PB’s which created some breathtaking finishes.
Round 5 Results - Gala Points
1- Ojays 330 5- Southwark 238
2- Bromley 302 6- White Oak 159
3- Sevenoaks 286 7- Erith 151
4- Beckenham 263
The final result left Ojays and Sevenoaks in joint first place with 34 league points so the title was decided on the total number of gala points scored across all five rounds. In the end Sevenoaks scored 1407 points but Orpington prevailed by 15 points accumulating 1422. The result produced amazing scenes at the end as team Ojays celebrated in the pool and with the traditional rendition of give me an O...give me a J..A..Y..S!
The team had tremendous support from a large vocal viewing gallery which was very much appreciated by the swimmers. Finally thanks to the Team Managers, Coaches and our Timekeepers and Judges who all share in this fantastic achievement. Well done everyone.
NATIONAL ARENA SPEEDO LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 - ROUND
Tuesday 16th October 2012
Well done to all those that swam on Saturday 13th October in the opening round of the NASL. Competing alongside some tough competeition Orpington Ojays can second, pipped to first position by just two points by Dover. Swimmers achieved 29 top three positions – nine 1st, twelve 2nd and eight 3rd. A fantastic performance and a great team effort – high fives all round!
All night it was a closely fought gala and we saw some amazing swims. The results have been posted and it is worth taking a look as they are in a new format - for the first time you can see names and times from other clubs. Well done everyone and thank you to parents for their support and to Matt and the coaches for great training.
SENSATIONAL START TO 2012/13 SEASON!
Tuesday 16th October 2012
White Oaks Open was the first gala of the season and an early opportunity for swimmers to see if they could improve their PBs and bag a few County times in the bargain.
Orpington Ojays swimmers between them won 44 medals: 20 Gold, 11 Silver and 13 Bronze medals plus 12 ribbons for 4th place, 7 for 5th and 4 for 6th - nearly all swimmers achieved pbs and/or County times – a brilliant start.
Well done to Alex Sandeman, Lilly Snell, Elizabeth Bennett, Kelly Rogers, Jessica Page, Rebecca Shipley, Fay Gibson, Eloise Thody, Ellie Hazell, Alice Bennett, Charlotte Gregory, Daniella Shipley, Kate Ridley, Katie Napier, Isabelle Minter Paye, Lilli Jones, Lili Cutajar, Anna Cvetjan and Clio Bacon. Representing the boys were Joe Gaster, Louis Goff, Sam Harvey, Ben Strover, Jake McDonnell, Jake Potter, David Johansen, Antony Wilson, Christopher Lee, Sam Kitchener, Callum Baronti, Adam Cvetjan and Josh Martin.
Well done to our:
Gold medallists - Katie, Lily S (3) Jess, Charlotte, Kate (2), Clio, Joe (2) Sam H (3) Louis, David, Rebecca, and Alex (3).
Silver medallists - Lizzie, Rebecca (2), Fay, Alex, Anna, Clio, Sam H, Jake P, Christopher and Joe.
Bronze medallist - Lizzie (2) Kelly (2) Jess (2) Fay, Daniella, Katie, Joe, Ben, Jake McD, and Josh.
Ribbons – Lizzie, Kelly, Rebecca (3) Kate, Fay, Eloise, Alice, Ellie, Alex, Lilli (2) Anna, Clio, Louis, Jake P, Sam K and Callum.
Well done to our many young swimmers for whom this was their first gala, it is good to see such a big group of strong swimmers coming up through the ranks. And a particular well done to Alice Bennett who achieved a 15 second pb on her 200 free – the biggest of the day!
And a special mention to Kate Ridley who broke the longstanding 10 YEAR club record of Hazel Colbourne for the 13/yrs under girls 100m frees-style in an awesome 1.02.59 secs. Well done Kate.
Thank you coaches for getting our swimmers back into shape so quickly after the holidays and thank you to the parents who helped out at poolside.
Ten year record takes a tumble!
Saturday 13th October 2012
Congratulations to Kate Ridley (Top) for smashing the long-standing girls 13yrs and under 100m freestyle record previously held by Hazel Colburne at the Whiteoak Open on 7th October with a time of 1.02.59. Well done to Head Coach Matt Perkins for the excellent training and helping Kate achieve this goal.
National Arena Speedo League - Division 1 Round 2
Saturday 13th October 2012
Well done to all those that swam tonight, Saturday 13th October in the second round of the NASL. Overall Orpington Ojays can second, pipped to first position by just two points. Swimmers achieved 29 top three positions – nine 1st, twelve 2nd and eight 3rd. A fantastic performance and a great team effort – high fives all round!
All night it was a closely fought gala and we saw some amazing swims. The results have been posted and it is worth taking a look as they are in a new format - for the first time you can see names and times from other clubs. Well done everyone and thank you to parents for their support and to Matt and the coaches for great training
Race Night, a Galloping Success
Wednesday 10th October 2012
Friday night saw Orpington Ojays at Badgers Mount memorial hall for a very successful and fun evening with bets being placed on "Jockeys" to race their horses over the finish line. The finale of the evening was a nail biting winners race - well done to everyone who had to "race" their horses twice - no mean feat! Thanks to everyone who came along to support the evening, by baking cakes and providing raffle prizes. Special thanks to the Club Captains for organising it and to Steve Bennett for running the race course and tote. The evening raised an impressive amount for those swimmers going on their warm weather training camp later this month.
Gina takes 3 medals at the SER Masters Champs
Monday 8th October 2012
At the weekend Gina Charleton competed in the South East Region Masters Championships at The Guildford Spectrum. Gina took silver in the 50m breastroke in 46.19, bronze in the 50m freestyle coming close to her PB with 33.60, bronze in the 200m freestyle in 2:41.54 and a 6th place in the 100m freestyle again close to her PB with a 1:13.80.
Congratulations to Gina, our sole swimmer at the meet, on some great swims.
Hampton Court Palace to Kingston Upon Thames
Monday 8th October 2012
On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning Helen Morris competed in the Speedo Open Water Swim Series race along the River Thames from Hampton Court Palace to Kingston Upon Thames. With the water temperature at a maximum of 14C Helen opted for gloves and boots, as well as her wetsuit, to try and stay warm. With a strong current to help the 1500 entrants Helen was in wave 7 of 11. She set off at a steady pace forcing her supporters to frequently break into a run to keep up. Without lengths or laps, judging the race distance was a challenge, and Helen was surprised when she found herself at the finish line in just 42 minutes and 1 second. This gave her an overall position of 704th and 51st in her age group of 83.
Well done Helen.
Charlton Lido
Sunday 30th September 2012
On Saturday, Top Squad and a handful of swimmers from other squads, had a one off training session in the open air in the 50m pool at Charlton Lido. The weather was kind with sunshine and just a few clouds. The pool temperature was just a little fresh; but a fast paced session with a quick turn around between sets kept the swimmers from getting cold. To see some of the photos from the session click on the Photo Gallery section from the menu on the left.
A big thank you from all the swimmers for arranging this session.
Niki Herbert competes in 3km sea swim.
Friday 21st September 2012
On the 16th of September Niki Herbert, from Masters squad, swam in the Speedo Human Race Event at Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset. There was a choice of 3 distances to enter; 750m, 1.5km and 3km. Niki entered the 3km race.
The water temperature was a balmy 17 degrees Celsius and Niki was one of a handful of swimmers from the 238 entered who chose to swim without a wetsuit! The start from the beach was in triathlon style and Niki had to swim the 750m sea course four times. Niki finished the race in an excellent 58 minutes and 52 seconds which placed her 3rd in her age group and 101st overall.
Niki says that for anyone not sure about open water swimming this was a great location - the sand is golden and sea was so clear you could almost see the clean sandy bottom (no seaweed) for most of the course.
Well done Nicki, a great swim and a great result.
Judge Level 1 status for Karen and Mandy
Monday 17th September 2012
Congratulations to Karen Bennett and Mandy Baronti for passing their Judge Level 1 qualification on Saturday. It is vitally important that the club have qualified personnel so to have two more judges is fantastic news for our club. The galas that our swimmers train for cannot run without them; so on behalf of all the swimmers a big thank you to you both.
Becoming a Judge Level 1 involves the following. (Minimum age is 15)
The role of the timekeeper, reporting for gala duty, allocation of duties and equipment, procedure for recording a time, determination of official manual time, splits, back up button, lap cards, bells and whistles, FINA Rules for timekeepers. The role and duties of Chief Timekeeper, FINA rules for Chief Timekeeper. The role and responsibilities of Inspector of turns, FINA rules for Inspectors of Turn, reporting of infringements. The role and responsibilities of Chief Inspector of Turns. Practical experiences in all of the above.
Alison breaks 50m Breastroke Short Course World Re
Thursday 13th September 2012
On Sunday 9th of September Alison Nye, our Membership Secretary and Masters swimmer, competed in the Barnet Copthall Sprint Meet. In the 55-59 age group Alison won both the 50m freestyle and butterfly and came second in the 100m individual medley and 100m breaststroke.
The world record for the 50m breaststroke has stood for 11 years at 38.30 seconds. Alison informed the officials she was going to attempt to break this. With a fantastic win Alison won the race in 37.58 seconds taking more the 7/10s of a second off the record.
Congratulations Alison on a fantastic swim and achievement.
2012 Human Race Speedo Marlow Swim 3km
Monday 27th August 2012
Inspired by the Olympics, two of our longest swimming members entered the 3k open water swim in the River Thames at Marlow on the morning of August 26. For both of them this was their first race in open water.
Brother and sister, Helen and Stephen Morris from our Masters squad, lined up with 396 other swimmers for the race with ages ranging from under 20's to over 70's. Years of swimming at Orpington Ojays has definately paid off.
Both Helen and Steve took 2nd places in their respective ages groups. Helen was 21st out of the women and 98th overall. Steve was 9th out of the men and 11th overall. Helen's time was 1:07:51 and Steve swam it in under an hour in 0:55:23
Top Squad - Just Hanging Out
Saturday 11th August 2012
...and having fun at Tonbridge park.
California, Loughborough, Orpington - what's the c
Saturday 11th August 2012
We have Alexander Adair from Team Santa Monica; Ian Armiger, Director of Swimming at Loughborough University since 1997 and GB Olympic coach and, Orpington Ojays' very own Head Coach Matt Perkins. What links all three? No it's not the sunshine, here’s the story.
Alexander, a top swimmer with Santa Monica swimming club was coming to Kent to visit family and wanted to continue his training having just competed in the Junior Olympics in California. TSM coach Ryan contacted his friend Ian Armiger who recommended Orpington Ojays. The final link is that Ian was Matt’s coach whilst at Loughbrough, 2003 – 2006.
Matt said ‘he was the best coach ever’ and enjoyed every minute of his three years training at Loughborough with Ian. Ian is well renowned in the swimming world for his holistic and inclusive approach to coaching. He's coached loads of Olympians including this year’s Caitlin McClatchey amongst others. Late last year Ian announced after the 2012 Olympics he‘s going to semi-retire and coach the Caymen Islands.
We wish Ian all the best and thank you for recommending Orpington Ojays – and thank you to Alexander for bringing a bit of Californian sunshine!
Well done to Top Squad and captains James May and Joe Gaster for extending the hand of friendship and making Alexander welcome.
Gold for Katherine at 2012 British Gas Masters Cha
Wednesday 18th July 2012
Well done to Katherine Nye seen here on her way to claiming victory in the 18 -24 years 200m breaststroke at the 2012 National Championships held this month at Sheffield - as reported in the Swimming Times!
London Regional 2012 Sprints
Tuesday 10th July 2012
An amazing day and a superb performance at the 2012 London Sprints for Orpington Ojays. Swimming against the top swimmers in the Region, sixteen of our swimmers between them achieved nine gold, two silver and five bronze medals, eighteen ribbons for 4th – 8th placing, five top ten placing and 28 PBs. And, to top it all, Top Boy and Top Girl accolades were awarded in the 11 year old girls, 16 year old girls and 13 year old boys’ categories.
For two of our swimmers Alice Bennett and Ellie Hazell it was their first time at the sprints and both came away with pbs and Ellie with a ribbon – well done girls. Gold medals were awarded to Jake Potter – breast, Lily Snell for all four strokes, Joe Gaster, Fly, Alex Sandeman, free and fly and David Johansen back. Silver medals went to Lewis Groombridge, breast and Chloe Ashley, free. Bronze medals were awarded to Kate Ridley, free, David Johansen, breast and fly, Joe Gaster breast, Charlotte Gregory breast.
Ribbons also went to: Louis Goff, David Johansen, Joe Gaster, Lewis Groombridge, Katie Napier, Fay Gibson, Isabelle Minter Paye, Lizzie Bennett, Kate Ridley, Jessica Sellar and Chloe Ashley. Top ten placing went to Chris Miles, Louis Goff, Issie Minter Paye, Jessica Page and Kate Ridley.
To top off a successful event Alex Sandeman, David Johansen and Lily Snell picked up Top Boy and Top Girl awards - an outstanding achievement given the level of competition - well done swimmers.
‘Swimmers have really trained hard these last few months and the results show. This is a well deserved reward for all the energy our swimmers have invested. As Head Coach of Orpington Ojays I am immensely proud of their achievements, as I am sure their parent are, both individually and as a team. As the season draws to a close it is worth reflecting on the progress swimmers have made and the potential they all have to achieve in the future. Now is the time to relax and recharge and I wish all members and their families a happy and restful break and look forward to welcoming you back in September when full training will resume’.
Success @ London Regional Sprints – 7th July
Monday 9th July 2012
What an amazing day at the London Sprints for Team Ojays. Swimming against the top swimmers in the Region, sixteen of our swimmers between them achieved nine gold, two silver and five bronze medals, seventeen ribbons for 4th – 8th placing, six top ten placing and over 38 PBs. And, to top it all, Top Boy and Top Girl accolades were awarded in the 11 year old girls, 16year old girls and 13 year old boys’ categories.
For three of our swimmers Alice Bennett, Ellie Hazell and Jessica Sellar it was their first time at the sprints and all came away with pbs and Ellie with a ribbon – well done girls.
Gold medals were awarded to Jake Potter – breast, Lily Snell for all four strokes, Joe Gaster, Fly, Alex Sandeman, free and fly and David Johansen back.
Silver medals went to Lewis Groombridge, breast and Chloe Ashley, free.
Bronze medals were awarded to Kate Ridley, free, David Johansen, breast and fly, Joe Gaster breast, Charlotte Gregory breast.
Ribbons also went to: Louis Goff David Johansen, Joe Gaster, Lewis Groombridge, Katie Napier, Fay Gibson, Isabelle Minter Paye, Lizzie Bennett, Kate Ridley and Chloe Ashley.
Top ten placing went to Jessica Sellar, Chris Miles, Louis Goff, Issie Minter Paye, Jessica Page and Kate Ridley.
To top off a successful session David Johansen Alex Sandeman and Lily Snell picked up Top Boy and Top Girl awards - an outstanding achievement given the level of competition.
‘Swimmers have really trained hard these last few months and the results show. This is a well deserved reward for all the energy our swimmers have invested, as Head Coach of Orpington Ojays I am immensely proud of their achievements as I am sure their parent are too’. As the season draws to a close it is worth reflecting on the progress swimmers have made and the potential they all have to achieve in the future.
I wish all members and the families a happy and restful break and look forward to welcoming you back in September when full training will resume.
A fantastic result well done swimmers and coaches Results are available from: http://www.londonswimming.org
Beckenham Spa Summer Development meet
Monday 9th July 2012
Thirty of our young members were out in force at Beckenham Spa on Sunday. For many it was the first time at a gala and for most an opportunity to gain licensed times and put a stake in the ground for next year’s County Championships.
Well done to:
Adam Cvetjan, Alice Bennett, Alicia Foreman, Andrew Gallagher, Anna Cvjetan, Anna Filippeli, Antoney Wilson, Benjamin Strover, Charlotte Gregory, Christopher Lee, Clio Bacon, Daniella Shipley, Ellie Hazell, Eloise Thody, Erin Randall, Fay Gibson, Georgina Baxter-Smith, Holly Wilson Josh Kitchener, Josh Martin, Kate Ridley, Katie Napier, Lili Jones, Lilli Cutajar, Lily Snell, Louis Goff, Max Leeves, Rachel Langdown, Thomas Wilcox and William MageeBrown.
Results and report to follow
London Youth Games 30th June 2012
Monday 2nd July 2012
Well done to the 13 Orpington Ojays’ swimmers picked to represent the Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley in swimming, running, netball, cross county, tennis and football at the London Youth Games : Isabelle Minter Paye, Jessica Page, Holly Andrews, Kate Ridley, Daniella Shipley, Chloe Ashley, Alex Sandeman, David Johansen, James May, Jack Dickersen, Lewis Groombridge, Jake Potter and Justin Strover.
Ojays swimmers accounted for nearly half of the Bromley swimming team and, out of 33 boroughs, Bromley finished 6th for girls and 4th boys with Jack Dickersen picking up a silver medal in the senior breaststroke, Bexely girls finished 9th - a tremendous result for both boroughs and well done swimmers for flying the Ojays flag loud and proud!
In the Aquathon – a 200m swim followed by a 1k run, congratulations go to Ollie Randall who won gold in the Year 7 boy’s race and to Issie Minter Paye and Daniella Shipley who finished 17th and 15th respectively in the Year 8 girl’s race.
Well done Team Ojays you demonstrated excellent teamwork, sportsmanship and delivered strong performances across all disciplines. Full results will be available shortly from the LYG website.
A “bag” load of cash for warm weather camp
Monday 18th June 2012
Thanks to Morrisons of Petts Wood for their support and to their customer's generosity. A valiant group of top squaders, parents and a couple of siblings took shifts in bag packing on Saturday - the result was a fabulous £300 raised for the warm weather training camp. The swimmers must be congratulated for their hard work and were complimented by the store manager on their immaculate behaviour - well done to the following: Joseph, Jack, James, Louis, Charlotte, Kate, Amy, Lily, Sam, Sophie, Shauna, Issie, Lewis, Alice and Callum. Thank you everyone.
London Region Championships – May/June Crystal Pal
Monday 4th June 2012
Sixteen of our swimmers qualified for this year’s London Regionals, a series of events where the best in London gather and competition is high. Our swimmers have achieved excellent results so far and there is still one more weekend to go!
The Age Group Champs saw strong swims from our younger swimmers: Lily Snell, David Johansen Charlotte Gregory, Kate Ridley, Oliver Randall, Louis Goff, Holly Andrews and Jake Potter. Lily Snell came third in 100 Free with pb’s in the heats and finals. Kate Ridley achieved a six second pb 400 Free and came 7th for 100 Free. David Johansen managed a hat-trick of pbs.
In the Youth Championships we had eight swimmers – Alex Sandeman, Christopher Miles, Holly Baronti, Jack Dickerson, Joseph Gaster, Lewis Groombridge, Sam Harvey and James May. We had more swimmers qualify this year than last with the resulting pb tally also up on last year’s event. Alex Sandeman won the 16 yrs 400m IM event – well done! James May was placed sixth in the final of the Mens’ Open & MD 50m Free and was also 5th in the 400m Free (16 yrs.). Christopher Miles was 6th in the 400m Free (17 yrs.). Sam Harvey was 3rd in the 17 years 200m Fly. Well done to all our swimmers on your excellent performances.
Oliver May Trophy Gala – Maidstone – 26th May 2012
Friday 1st June 2012
Our 10/u, 12/u, 14/u, 16/u and Open swimmers competed at the Oliver May Trophy Gala at Maidstone on Saturday 20th May . We came a very respectable 3rd position and our younger swimmers did particularly well with many new PBs. We were missing quite a few swimmers due to attendance at the Beacon Open so well done to those who stepped in and had to swim events which were scheduled close together in the programme and not necessarily their number one stroke.
The final results were:
Dartford 148 points (1st)
Maidstone 154 points (2nd)
Orpington Ojays 173 points (3rd)
Gravesend & Northfleet 202 points (4th)
Larkfield 278 points (5th)
Well done to all our swimmers particularly the younger ones for whom this was a new experience and to those swimmers (and parents) who managed the Open and the Gala, that in itself deserves a medal!
Thank you to all our officials and helpers and to the Team Managers who give of their time so willingly
A Busy Weekend for Orpington Ojays
Monday 28th May 2012
It was a very busy weekend for the Orpington Ojays team which saw our swimmers split between two events - The Oliver May Gala at Maidstone and The Beacon Open at Crystal Palace.
Our Gala swimmers achieved 3rd place - well done everyone who took part. Report and results to follow.
The Beacon Open, a two day event, was attended by Antony Wilson, Louis Goff, Rebecca Shipley, Daniella Shipley, Christoper Lee, Isabelle Minter Paye, Jessica Page, Katie Napier, Kate Ridley, Lily Snell, Charlotte Gregory and Fay Gibson. True to form the 50m long course pool at Crystal Palace was very, very cold and seemed even colder due to the hot weather conditions! The first day got off to a slow start and only a small number of pbs.
However, the next day saw our swimmers refreshed and ready for action! Many swimmers gained new pbs and medals were awarded to: Lily Snell who managed a hat-trick – gold 200 back, silver 400 free and bronze 50 free, Kate Ridley achieved a gold for 400 free, Charlotte Gregory achieved silver in 100 breast as did Christopher Lee in the 200 fly and Issie Minter Paye brought home a bronze in the 200IM.
However the award for sheer dedication to their sport has to go to Team Shetland. Our swimmers had the pleasure of meeting Felix Gifford from Delting, a swimming club based in the Shetland Isle – think Atlantic Ocean nearer to Norway then Scotland. Felix had to catch a boat to the mainland, a mere 14 hour journey, a plane to Heathow and then across London to compete at Crystal Palace. Felix is a National Swimmer and has to train in a 16m pool – yes that’s right 16meters! and leaves the Island twice a month to compete. Orpington Ojays provided a rousing cheer for Felix as he got on the block – who wants Devolution when you see such sportsmanlike behaviour!
Well done everyone who swam this weekend, Orpington Ojays is very proud of you.
Billy Birchmore - Junior World Championship Holder
Saturday 19th May 2012
Last month at the European Downs Championships in Southampton, Billy Birchmore made history.
Going in 2 secs outside the world championship qualifying time on 200 freestyle Billy smashed his own record by 14 secs and won Gold making him overall European Junior Champion and Junior World Record Holder.
Not content with just one gold medal and a title, Billy went on to win another - a Gold in the 200m Breastroke and again achieved the position of Overall European Junior Champion. He achieved Gold in the 100m Butterfly and finished overall 4th in Europe, a Silver medal in the 50m Butterfly (and another record - Junior European Record) finishing overall 2nd in Europe, Bronze 100m IM (4th overall in Europe) and finally 50 Breast he finished 7th overall in Europe.
5 medals, two titles and one record, not bad for a couple of days swimming – well done Billy!
Final word from Billy " It was great fun and really good experience swimming in such a tough competition. I am really happy to have swum so well and would like to thank all my coaches for their help in my training”.
World Record Broken by Ojays' Coach and Master's S
Thursday 10th May 2012
Congratulations to Alison Nye who last weekend broke an 11-year old world record in the 50m breaststroke at the 2012 British Gas Masters and Senior Age Group Championships.
Despite having a heavy cold and a troublesome shoulder Alison Nye, one of Ojays’ top coaches and a Master’s swimmer, made the journey to Sheffield not knowing if she was fit enough to compete. But compete she did! In the 55-59 years age category, Alison swimming the 50m breaststroke, came home in 38.24 earning her a well deserved gold medal, ducking under Australian Jan Wicks' 38.30 marker from 2001. Alison also earned a fourth position in the 100m breast and a second in the 50m free.
Well done Alison we are immensely proud of you and Ojays is very privileged to have a world champ as one of its coaches.
Also, congratulations to two more of swimmers who competed at Sheffield: Katherine Nye (yes there is a link - mother/daughter) and Matt Steere both of whom have worked their way through the squads and now swim for Ojays growing and very successful Master's Squad. Katherine finished third in 50m breast and fourth in 50m & 100m back and 200m free. Matt was eight in the 50m free and fly and fifth in the 200m free.
Mighty Masters – well done to you all
Black Lion Open Meet Medway Park, Gillingham 21st
Tuesday 1st May 2012
17 of our swimmers competed at the Black Lion Open Meet and once again we had many new PBs - too many to mention in this report, and a significant number of top 3 placings. Well done Team Ojays you are setting the bar high. The official results are now available on the website.
There were 1st places for:
David Johansen – 13 yrs. 200 Fly, 100 Free, Rebecca Shipley 16 yrs/over 100 Breast, Charlotte Gregory – 12 years. 100 Back, Lewis Groombridge 15 yrs 100 Back, 50 Back and 200 Breast, Alex Sandeman – 16 yrs/over 100 IM (and also 1st in the Open category), 200 Breast, 50 Fly, Rebecca Shipley – 16 yrs/over 200 Back and also in the Open category of this event, Joseph Gaster – 15 yrs. 100 Free, Katie Napier – 12 yrs. 50m Fly and Fay Gibson – 13 yrs. 200m Back.
2nd places for:
Anna Cvjetan – 10 yrs. 200m Fly, Joseph Gaster – 15 yrs. 200m Fly (and also 2nd in the Open category), 100 Fly, Fay Gibson – 13 yrs. 50 Back, Louis Goff – 13 yrs. 50 Back, 100 Back, 100 Free, Rebecca Shipley – 16 yrs/over 100 Back (and also 2nd in the Open category), Alex Sandeman – 16 yrs/over 200 Back, 50 F/C, Jessica Page – 15 yrs 50 F/C and
3rd places for:
Louis Goff – 13 yrs. 100 IM and 200 Back, Lewis Groombridge – 15 yrs. 50 Fly, Rebecca Shipley – 16 yrs./over 100 IM, Antony Wilson – 11 yrs. 200 Back, 50 Free and 200 IM, Alex Sandeman - 16 yrs./over 100 Fly and 100 Free and Katie Napier – 12 yrs. 100 Free.
Well done to you all and thank you to our coach Clare for her help and assistance on the day.
Big Splash Mile
Tuesday 1st May 2012
Huge congratulations to the following younger swimmers who completed the Big Splash Mile, 48 lengths of the Walnuts, on Saturday evening :
Sam Kitchener
Georgina Baxter-Smith
Abigail Stanton
Callum Baronti
Eddie Sellar
Well done everyone - you were a credit to your club!
Junior Speedo League Round One
Thursday 26th April 2012
Our Junior Swimmers raced today in the first round of the National Junior Speedo League at Barnet Copthall Leaisure Centre. This is a new venture for Ojays who after a long journey swan brilliantly, narrowly missing out on second place by just four points. Congratulations to each and every swimmer for their efforts and a BIG thank you to all the parents for driving and supporting the team..........next stop Southbury, Enfield !!
Our team : (Girls) Lily Jones, Erin Randall, Alexander Kazic, Beth Marsh, Lili Cutajur, Clio Bacon, Rachel Langdown, Alice Bennett, Ellie Hazel, Anna Cvjetan, Katie Napier, Amy Chick, Eloise Thody (Boys) Max Peel, Callum Baronti, Justin Strover, Ryan Manbridge, William Gould, Adam Cvjetan, Thomas Wilcox, Sam Kitchener, Christopher Lee, Josh Martin, Ben Strover, Reece Manbridge, Harry Haynes and Jake Potter. Thanks also to our Judges Mandy Baronti and Karen Bennett
Result : Southend 266, Anaconda 231, Orpington Ojays 227, Cheshunt 210, Harringay 170, Enfield 144, Tonbridge 88.
Orpington Ojays Open Meet Medway Park, Gillingham
Saturday 21st April 2012
Charlotte Gregory, Oliver Randall, David Johansen, James May, Christopher Miles, Katie Napier, Alex Sandeman, Lily Snell, James Beele, Jake Potter, Lewis Groombridge, Lili Jones, Holly Wilson, Clio Bacon, Alice Bennett, Ellie Hazell, Antony Wilson, Christopher Lee, Daniella Shipley, Shauna Hancock, Rebecca Shipley, Louis Goff, Joseph Gaster, Holly Baronti, Sam Harvey, Fay Gibson, Toree-Andre West-Agboola, Anna Cvjetan, Andrew Gallagher, Amy Chick, Chloe Ashley, Kate Ridley, Nathaniel Lobb, Jack Dickerson, Eloise Thody, Lilli Cutajar, all competed in our Annual Open Meet held at Medway Park. Once again our swimmers shone in their performances with many new PBs. The official results are now available on the website.
Special mention must go to our relay teams who were selected on the day. We were delighted to share joint first position with Mozka (our visiting Belgian team) as both Mozka and Ojays won 2 x relays each from the morning and afternoon sessions. In the true British spirit of politeness we awarded the Trophy to Mozka! Our first place relay team members were:
- U13 Mixed Medley Team: – Louis Goff (Back), David Johansen (Breast), Lily Snell (Fly) and Kate Ridley (F/C)
- Senior Freestyle Team : James May, Holly Baronti, Alex Sandeman, Christopher Miles
We also won the trophy for overall best Club on the day. Well done Ojays!
Our friends from Mozka have invited us to compete in their Open Meet on the week-end of 23-25 June this year and we hope there will be sufficient interest to field a team for this event. Further details to follow shortly.
Thank you to all the organisers and helpers on the day, to our Team Managers and of course to our Head Coach, Matt and all the Coaches on some stunning performances from our swimmers.
Brighton Marathon
Monday 16th April 2012
Congratulations to Gina from Masters squad for finishing the Brighton Marathon at the weekend in under 4 1/2 hours!
"Thank you to my sister and Chloe for trying their hardest to see me at the start, 12miles and 26miles. Thank you to mum and dad for suprising me at 24miles and taking my fuel belt and for the post-marathon half portion of fish and chips I forced down myself. Thank you to Steve for being there at 6miles, 12miles and 18miles with energy gels, drinks and vaseline!!"
Well done Gina
Kent County Champs - points round up
Saturday 31st March 2012
28 clubs are affiliated to Kent County and following this year's Championships Ojays came 8th for the boys and 12th for the girls -for a small club we are packing a big punch - well done everyone!
Birchmore Brings Home Bronze
Thursday 29th March 2012
Billy Birchmore returned home this week to a hero’s welcome after successfully representing Greater London at the Nationwide Junior and Youth Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield on 25/26th March. Billy, an S14 swimmer, achieved bronze medals in 100m Breast and Fly and secured 4th and 5th positions in the 200 Free and 100 Free respectively.
Billy missed out on a silver medal for the 200 IM having been DQ’d on a turn - which just goes to show even the best can have a momentary lapse!
Billy trains six days a week, two with Sharks Disability Swimming and four with Ojays His next competition is the Downs Syndrome European Championships to be held in Southampton on 14th & 15th April. Billy’s greatest achievement so far is that he been selected as a team member of the Great Britain Squad to represent GB in the Downs Syndrome World Games (DSISO) which is being held in Italy in November 2012.
Well done Billy and Good Luck from all at Ojays at next month’s European Championships.
Kent County Championships 2012 - Final Round Up
Tuesday 27th March 2012
Our final week-end of the 2012 Kent County Championships was held at Medway Park on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March. It was the culmination of a very successful round of Championships for the Club and one to be very proud of, with many new PBs again and, as you will read below some stunning first places! Well done to all our swimmers, their coaches and all who work tirelessly for the Club in the background and in the fore-ground. Your efforts have been well rewarded and we are pleased to be putting ourselves back on the map and placing ourselves proudly amongst the top Clubs of Kent. Special mention must go to Matt Perkins as our Head Coach for his sterling work and many congratulations on what the Club has achieved this year. So here are our swimmers for the final rounds:
Sam Harvey, Christopher Lee, Oliver Randall, David Johansen, Jake Potter Antony Wilson,, Josh Martin, Joseph Gaster, Lewis Groombridge, James May, Jack Dickerson, Christopher Miles, Rebecca Shipley, Chloe Ashley, Charlotte Gregory, Daniella Shipley Lily Snell, Amy Chick, Holly Baronti,, Alex Sandeman, Holly Andrews, Kate Ridley Jess Page, Fay Gibson, Isabelle Minter-Paye, and Elizabeth Bennett.
In the individuals performances congratulations to Christopher Lee on gaining 1st place in the Boys 10 years 50m and 200m Butterfly and 4th place in the Boys 10 years 200m IM, to Sam Harvey on 2nd place in the Mens 17/18 years 200m Butterfly and to James May on 3rd place in the Mens 16 years 100m Free. Well Done Boys!
The relay performances on Sunday 18th March were outstanding and we are so very proud of our Girls 13/14 years 200m Freestyle team who gained First Place (taking 2 seconds off their heat time in the final!). Well done to Kate Ridley, Elizabeth Bennett, Isabelle Minter-Paye and Chloe Ashley. We also had third places in our Girls 13/14 years 200m Medley Team Kate Ridley, Holly Andrews, Elizabeth Bennett and Chloe Ashley, in our Girls 12 and Under 200m Medley Team Charlotte Gregory, Lily Snell, Amy Chick and Fay Gibson and in our Boys 16 and under 200m Medley Team James May, Jack Dickerson , Joseph Gaster , Lewis Groombridge
We came 4th in the Girls 15/16 years 200m Free Team Holly Baronti, Rebecca Shipley, Jessica Page and Alex Sandeman, and in the Girls 12 and under 200m Free team Charlotte Gregory, Lily Snell, Daniella Shipley and Amy Chick, 5th in the Girls Junior 16 years and under 200m Free Team Holly Baronti, Rebecca Shipley, Alex Sandeman and Kate Ridley and 6th in the Boys 16 and under 200m Free Team (with Bromley ahead of us by a mere .01 of a second!) Jack Dickerson, Lewis Groombridge, Joseph Gaster and James May and also in the Girls Junior 16yrs and under 200m Medley Team Alex Sandeman, Holly Baronti, Rebecca Shipley and Kate Ridley.
Well done everyone! We had just short of a 100% PBs success rate at this years’ championships and as well as our two first positions, three 2nd and eleven 3rds, we secured a further 35 places in 4th, 5th & 6th.
Last word goes to Matt: “I am extremely proud of all our swimmers and everyone who makes Ojays the club it is. This is my first County Championships as Head Coach of Ojays and the results speak for themselves: our swimmers have trained hard and reaped the rewards; our coaches have provided the passion and motivation to help swimmers achieve their goals and, the unstinting support from parents and the Committee has provided the framework to make it all happen. Thank you everyone, I look forward to building on this success at the Regionals in May & June”.
Kent County Championships 2012 – penultimate week-
Monday 19th March 2012
Medway Park, Gillingham 10th & 11th March 2012
Lili Jones, Lily Snell, Jessica Sellar, Katie Napier, Kate Ridley, Isabelle Minter-Paye, Elizabeth Bennett, Christopher Lee, Antony Wilson, Oliver Randall, David Johansen, Joseph Gaster, Alex Sandeman, Jessica Page, Sam Harvey, Chloe Ashley, Holly Baronti, Katie Davis, Lewis Groombridge, Jack Dickerson, Charlotte Gregory, Holly Andrews, Fay Gibson, Jake Potter, James May, Christopher Miles and Lilli Cutajar, all competed in the third week-end of the Kent County Championships held at Medway Park. It was a fantastic week-end of swimming with many new PBs. Congratulations to Christopher Lee on gaining 2nd places in the Boys 10 years 50m Back and also in the Boys 200m Back. There were 3rd places for Kate Ridley in the Girls 13 Years 100m Front crawl, for Sam Harvey in the Mens 17/18 years 200m Back, for Alex Sandeman in the Ladies 16 years 200m IM and for Jack Dickerson in the Mens 16 years 100m Breast. We also had numerous 4th places as follows: Lily Snell in the Girls 11years 50m Fly, Joseph Gaster in the Boys 14 years 50m Back, David Johansen in the Boys 13 years 200m Fly, Joe Gaster in the Boys 14 years 200m Fly, Lewis Groombridge in the Mens 15 years 100m Breast, Alex Sandeman in the Ladies 16 years 100m Breast, James May in the Mens 16 years 400m Free and Christopher Miles in the Mens 17/18 years 400m Free. Well done again to all those who competed on your excellent swims and congratulations on your new PBs. We look forward to receiving the results of the final week-end very shortly.
Here Come the Girls!
Monday 19th March 2012
Well the Kents are finally over and in true tradition we have seen club records broken, pbs smashed, and medals gained. A full report to follow of the final weekend’s activities but for now well done to the girls' relay teams who all made the finals with the 13/14yrs gaining a first and third in freestyle and medley, the 12yrs and under securing third place in the medley and the 15/16yrs just being pipped to a medal position.
The achievements we have seen at the 2012 Kent County Championships are amazing and are as a result of the hard work by our swimmers, the dedication of our coaches and the unstinting support of parents. Well done Team Ojays!
Novices' Gala
Monday 6th February 2012
Snow didn't mean no-show at this weekend's gala. Most of our swimmers and officials made it to Beckenham Spa - even our swim-friends from as far a field as Tonbridge and Herne Bay. So well done to all our young swimmers and a big thank to officials, parents, coaches and Top squad all of whom provided many willing pairs of hands (and feet!) Also, a big, big thank you to Sarah C, Sarah M and Ian who made it all happen and, of course Head Coach Matt.
All visiting clubs commented on a smooth, well organised gala that their swimmers thoroughly enjoyed. Once again Team Ojays delivered!! Results will be posted shortly.
WHL - Round 1
Monday 6th February 2012
Our first round of the White Horse League for 2012 was held at Eltham Pool on Sunday 22nd January. In a tightly fought battle with Sevenoaks, we came 2nd by one point. Well done to our swimmers for a great and exciting opener to our League season and to those who are new to this competition. Congratulations to those who swam PBs or close to their PB times as we continued to train hard through this event in preparation for our Kent County season which is fast approaching. We look forward to the next round which will be held on 24th March at Eltham Pool. Results have been uploaded.
If you have not already done so please download a copy of the latest newsletter or pick up a copy from the Walnuts as it has all the dates for future galas including the new Junior Speedo league - please try and keep dates free in case you are picked :)
PB Hat-Trick for Kate @Zonals
Wednesday 1st February 2012
Kate Ridley travelled across to Somerset at the weekend to compete in this year’s Zonal meet which is a step-up from Regionals and just below Nationals. Kate competed in the 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle and, with some extremely fast swimmers and national qualifiers along with swimmers going to the Olympic trials in a month’s time, Kate had her work cut out.
On the Saturday Kate competed in the 50m Free and managed a PB and also an improvement of placing up to 14th out of 22. The following day Kate had a very demanding day with the 100m and the 200m. In the 200m in the morning Kate managed a great PB and placed herself again higher up the starting order and finished 23rd out of 28. The last session of the day Kate competed in the 100m Free and was aiming for 100% PB success rate for the weekend. Again, Kate didn't disappoint and managed a fine swim with another PB and again improving her placing finishing 25th out of 34. All weekend Kate was swimming against girls a year older than her so, next year we will be looking for more swimmers to join us at this competition and also for Kate to improve her position. This puts Kate in great stead to achieve her national times and was absolutely deserved with all the hard work Kate has put in.
Well done Kate you are a real role model already at a young age.