2025 Short Course NERs – that’s a wrap…
The North East Region’s Short Course Championships returned to Sheffield earlier this month, delivering two days of exceptional racing, outstanding atmosphere, and a celebration of swimming talent from across the region. As one of the standout events on the regional calendar, the Championships once again showcased the depth, skill, and spirit of swimmers, coaches, volunteers, and supporters alike.
Two Pools, Non-Stop Action
The event made full use of Sheffield’s world-class facilities, running two 25m pools simultaneously to accommodate an incredible 4,378 race entries. From early morning heats to the last finals session, both pools were buzzing with energy. Races were fast, fiercely contested, and full of moments that demonstrated just how strong the North East’s swimming community has become.
This year, we set out to raise the bar and deliver an event that truly felt special for our swimming families—and the atmosphere in Sheffield reflected that ambition. To elevate the experience, we introduced vibrant new event branding that added a striking splash of colour across the venue. Our thanks go to ADP Sports, who helped bring this vision to life through carefully designed and crafted poolside dressing, giving the Championships an unmistakable “big event” feel.
We also reimagined both our live stream and in-house production to ensure the excitement in the arena carried through to every viewer. To achieve this, we welcomed a specialist crew from Sync Productions, led by Josh Williams, whose expertise is well known across Swim England and Aquatics GB national events. Joining them was Ewan Dunlop—a professional presenter, commentator, voiceover artist, and event announcer with experience working alongside major organisations such as UEFA, Channel 4, BT Sport, and more. Having covered events including the UEFA Champions League Final, the UEFA European Championships, and the Aquatics GB National Finals, Ewan brought a dynamic presence and infectious energy to the soundwaves throughout the weekend.
A Crowd That Brought the Noise
More than 1,700 spectators filled the venue over the weekend, and their presence genuinely lit up the pool. From the moment the first swimmers stepped onto the blocks, the noise, colour, and emotion from the stands created an electric atmosphere that elevated every performance in the water. Families, teammates, and club supporters packed every vantage point, erupting with cheers during tight finishes, rallying swimmers chasing personal bests, and celebrating every hard-fought race. To keep the atmosphere electric throughout the weekend, thunder sticks were handed out to spectators — ensuring the noise and energy never dipped, even when voices began to tire.
It wasn’t just background noise—the crowd became part of the experience. Their energy rippled across both pools, lifting athletes through the final metres and adding a Championship intensity that you simply cannot manufacture. Their enthusiasm and encouragement helped make the Short Course Championships not only competitive, but truly unforgettable.
Powered by an Exceptional Volunteer Team
Behind the scenes, over 70 volunteers worked tirelessly to keep the event running with precision and professionalism. With two 25m pools operating simultaneously, we were supported by two fantastic officiating teams, each led by experienced referees who ensured fairness, consistency, and calm leadership throughout.
Operating dual pools is no small feat—it is essentially running two full events under one roof. Yet both teams worked in complete harmony, coordinating seamlessly across schedules, protocols, and athlete flow. It was a mammoth logistical challenge, but one they embraced with enthusiasm, expertise, and unwavering dedication.
From officials and timekeepers to marshals, technical crews, and event coordinators, every volunteer played a vital role in delivering a Championship that was professional, safe, and enjoyable for all. Their commitment, skill, and passion for the sport were at the heart of the weekend’s success.
Celebrating Success: Over 650 Medals Awarded
After several years without formal medal presentations due to COVID, this year marked a meaningful return to recognising and rewarding our swimmers’ achievements. To celebrate this reinstated tradition, medals were presented by homegrown Olympians and international medalists — including Chris Cook and James Wilby — adding an extra layer of inspiration for athletes and spectators alike. With such depth and quality of racing, it was no surprise that more than 650 medals were awarded throughout the weekend. Medalists represented a wide range of clubs and age groups, highlighting not only the elite performers but also the rising age-group swimmers shaping the region’s future. Regardless of medal count, every athlete contributed to a vibrant, memorable championship.
Across two intense days of racing, athletes delivered personal bests, breakthrough performances, and thrilling finishes. The level of competition was consistently high, with seasoned swimmers and emerging talent alike stepping up to the challenge. Every lane showcased determination and resilience, reflecting months of preparation and the strong coaching culture across the region.
Relive the Moments – forever
A selection of photos and media highlights were captured and shared by Steven Smith Photography, who embraced our brief to “make lasting memories.” Steven’s work not only documented the action in the pool, but also the emotion, pride, and excitement that defined the weekend—providing families and swimmers with moments they can treasure long after the Championships. We agreed that images would be available at affordable prices and that no fees or commission would be collected by the Region.
A Huge Thank You
The North East Region Short Course Championships would not be possible without the collective effort of swimmers, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and supporters. Your passion, dedication, and enthusiasm are what bring this event to life each year. We’ve gathered valuable feedback from this year’s Championships, and while we’re proud of what we delivered, we recognise there are areas where we can continue to improve. Rest assured, we’re already using these insights to shape next year’s events—and we’re committed to raising the bar once again.
We look forward to welcoming you back for future competitions—and to seeing even more incredible performances from our region’s athletes.
