On Saturday 1st June, 27 young athletes from Year 2 to Year 7 took to the water and road to compete in the annual Singapore Aquathlon. However, we had unwittingly entered the National Championships, which meant the children were racing against the best in their field; slightly daunting, but they were certainly able to rise to the challenge.
After a tense wait watching the older competitors start, the waves for the younger children took off and soon they too were thrashing through the sea. For the ‘Kids’ category, the children had to swim 200m; a 100m swim out to a buoy and back, whilst those competing in the ‘Youth’ category had a 400m swim. On their return to dry land there was a quick stop in transition where those competing individually changed into trainers and running kit and those in relay teams were able to pass over the responsibility to their teammate. This was followed by a 1km run for the younger group and a 3km run for the older children.
Finally, the finish line was in sight, and they all completed the event feeling jubilant and exhilarated, recognising their achievement. All the children received medals and a T-shirt as a memento.
Particular achievements included first position for Ben Place (6YP) and Joshua Cox (5RL) in the ‘Kids’ relay. Another MCM team, Ben Cadell and Anthony Buswell (both in 5RL), managed to clinch third place in the same category. Harriet Place (7.1) narrowly missed out on coming third in the girls’ 12-13 category; this was made even more commendable in that she exited the water in 12th position and made up a huge amount of ground during the run to finish 4th overall. Another special mention goes to Meredith Regan (2HM) who, at the tender age of 7, competing as an individual, finished the event still with a smile on her face.
The children were also competing in the Schools Challenge, and at this moment we are yet to officially hear the result. Regardless of this, however, MCM entered the largest team which certainly made people sit up and notice us!
A huge ‘Well Done’ to all the children who took part – no doubt I will be seeing many of them again at another event soon!
Carly Peart
Year 3 Form Tutor
