In a spectacular display of swimming prowess and determination, Yorkshire emerged victorious as the National County Team champions for the year 2023. This triumph marks their return to the top spot since 2018, and the Yorkshire team showcased their mettle in Division One, leaving their competitors in awe.

Yorkshire’s journey to clinching the coveted title was a testament to their resilience and skill. Last year, they narrowly missed out on the championship, losing to Kent by a mere four points. However, they came back stronger this year, amassing a total of 472 points to secure the championship.

The competition was fierce, with teams like Devon and Essex putting up a tough fight throughout the event. The lead changed hands several times, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. At the halfway mark, it was Devon who led, closely followed by Essex and Yorkshire, with just seven points separating the top three teams.

However, in the second half of the competition, Yorkshire displayed their true class. Key victories from standout swimmers like Gabriel Shephard in the Open/Male 14/15 Years 100m Freestyle and Lily Stansfield in the Female 12/13 Years 100m Butterfly propelled Yorkshire into a commanding lead.

The team continued their winning streak with impressive performances by Lois Child (Female 12/13 Years 100m Breaststroke), Phoebe Cooper (Female 14/15 Years 100m Butterfly), and Elizabeth Warner (Female 12/13 Years 100m Freestyle). These victories further solidified Yorkshire’s claim to the championship.

The moment of glory came in the penultimate event when Yorkshire secured their sixth win of the day in the Female 14/15 Years 200m Medley Team event. The quartet, comprised of Nell Carter, Ella Mcdermott, Phoebe Cooper, and Hollie Wilson, triumphed by more than two seconds, finishing with a time of 1:56.21, and sealed the title for their team.

Yorkshire also displayed remarkable consistency throughout the competition, securing second place four times and third place once.

Despite the fierce competition, defending champions Kent and Surrey made valiant efforts to rejoin the leading pack in the second half of the event. However, Kent had to settle for second place this time, scoring 441 points. Surrey secured the third position with 437 points. Devon (418) and Essex (411) rounded out the top five, with the latter climbing an impressive five places from last year’s result.

The full list of athletes and team staff who contributed to Yorkshire’s success is a testament to their dedication and hard work:

Athletes:

Charlotte Wilkinson (Beverley Barracudas)
Daniel Jackson (Borough of Kirklees)
Elizabeth Warner (City of Leeds)
Ella McDermott (City of Leeds)
Gabriel Shepherd (City of Leeds)
George Brooks (City of Leeds)
Hayden Lam (City of Leeds)
Hollie Wilson (City of Leeds)
Jacob O’Donnell (City of Leeds)
Joseph Hall (City of Leeds)
Matthew Just (City of Leeds)
Ashleigh Baillie (City of Sheffield)
Charlotte Bianchi (City of Sheffield)
Harry Osborne (City of Sheffield)
Molly Baker (City of Sheffield)
Oliver Clayden Smith (City of Sheffield)
Phoebe Cooper (City of Sheffield)
Shola Robinson (City of Sheffield)
Kai Mayers (City of Bradford)
Amelia Wright (Harrogate)
Lily Stansfield (Harrogate)
Lois Child (Harrogate)
Nell Carter (Harrogate)
Libby Munday (Kingston upon Hull)
Rio Daodu (Kingston upon Hull)
Oliver Davis-Tootill (Rotherham Metro)
Jack Jenkinson (Skipton)
Sam Smith (Skipton)
Benjamin Dale-Wood (Thirsk White Horse)
Raya Harrand (York City Baths Club)

Team Staff:

Tom Rhodes (Head Coach)
Jack Moulton (Coach)
Jeremy Stacey (Team Manager)
Anna Cheesbrough (Team Manager)

Yorkshire’s victory in the National County Team Championship 2023 is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering spirit. Congratulations to the entire Yorkshire team for their remarkable achievement in reclaiming the title after five years, and for showcasing the true essence of sportsmanship and excellence in swimming.

To see the full list of results, please visit here.

Photo Courtesy of Swim England/Will Johnston Photography