Swimmers from Taunton School took part in the Exmoor Swim last weekend, dominating many of the races.
The competition is rapidly becoming the premier open water swimming event in the South West and has national recognition. Pupils from the school competed against over 700 entrants in 2km and 4km events.
13-year-old Ollie Heard won the 4K men’s category in a time of 51:59, with Georgia Williams finishing as the 1st Female Youth (16-20yrs) and 4th female overall. Josh Green, aged 13, came 2nd in the U16 category.
The 2km ladies category was dominated by senior school pupils Skye McLaughlin, Skyla Coate and Hetty James, finishing 1st, 2nd & 3rd respectively.
Preparatory school pupil Jack Butler took the U16 title in the 2km swim and was 4th Male overall, with Ollie Butler finishing 4th and Max Mitchell, Jack Bollom, Freya Bartels, Chloe Hims all placing in the top half of the mainly adult field.
Senior School pupils Emma Hounslow accompanied by Freya Tyler completed the challenge for fun, chatting with their swim coach for much of the swim, as did Florence and Freddie Salter-Green and Darcie Coleman.
Former pupil and now honorary member Mr Lawton won the Supervets (50+) category.
Hamish McCarthy, swim coach and pastoral head of Year 7 & 8 at Taunton School, said: “All our pupils and staff showed great courage and determination completing the swim with much honour and recognition. Ollie Heard achieved a time I am struggling to comprehend it was so impressive and I am looking forward to entering him in the 6Km next year.”
“Nearly all swimmers began their open water swimming adventures in Year 7 and 8. Still training with us, they epitomise the whole school ethos and sports development pathway that Taunton School facilitates – they will only get better as they get bigger and stronger.”