Swim Squad Awards 2024: Team Performance of the Year
There aren’t many events where we come together as a team, so this category is about the team ethic, supporting one another, working together where possible, using each other to make us all better.
Nominations include two events and two ‘others’!
Ironman Wales
Three of our regular Swim Squad athletes raced Ironman Wales this year, and inspired many in the Squad.
“Special mention to the three that did IM Wales – that course looks brutal, and some achievement in the times they done them in as well – hats off!”
“The three amigos in Tenby! Pre-race swim, seeing each other around the course and catching up over breakfast the next morning made the trip epic. Not to mention seeing everyone’s support crew on the course. I still feel guilty for not giving Tenchy a high five on the run.”
“I know they didn’t compete as a team but the crew that did IM Wales all looking out for each other.”
“Ironman Wales – Tenchy, Jon and Matt R. How can you not be in awe of these three at that race.”
“The Wales Ironman guys that absolutely smashed the choppy swim when others dnf’d- absolute inspirational.”
Cross Mersey Swim
Once again, the Squad took on the Cross Mersey Swim this year, and once again it was all about the team.
“Has to be the across Mersey swim pod, I would not have got across without them – but everyone looked out for each other and we all got across!”
“The Mersey crew was unreal on that day and all looked out for each other.”
“It was lovely reading about the camaraderie from the whole team. I loved how the more experienced and confident open water swimmers, like Lisa and Jo, encouraged and looked after the more nervous swimmers. This showed the ethos of Swim Squad.”
“For me, this has to go to the guys who swam the Mersey back in August. This was a special day and the squad really stuck together. Yes, we split into 2 groups in the water, but as a team, we made sure everyone had someone to swim with and always had each other’s back. Jo Farrell was solid on the day, Mel was a bit nervous to start so Jo stayed back with her, Shane and a few others. Another smaller team including myself continued, constantly checking in with each other. No swimmer got left behind, it was a display of great team work. In true Swim Squad fashion, the group came back together towards the end and we all exited the water together. This is up there with one of the best events this year.”
“Mersey Crossing! Again, amazing day, amazing stories, in difficult conditions. The squad stuck together and made it to the other side. Big shout out to Mel for showing such resilience even though her mind was telling her to stop, and also those who got a love bites from the jelly fish. Same time next year?”
The Fun Lane (Lane Two)
There is a particular sub-culture that seems to be emerging in the Squad – The Fun Lane aka Lane Two of the Monday & Wednesday Swim Squad. The self-proclaimed ‘Fun Lane’ – fun and laughs, coupled with hard work and determination.
“For me it’s been a tougher year than I was expecting and I would say the most encouraging and supportive athletes to get me through this year and keep me smiling have been The Fun Lane!
I’m not sure if you can give an award to a lane, but these guys combine support, empathy, humour and motivation every week (in between and after swimming).
They have given me a different focus – trying to count and remember what we’re meant to be doing (as you know, we still struggle even with an abacus!), thinking up random questions to ask coach to extend our rest and delay the next set! “So what was your favourite Ironman event coach? Oooh tell us all about it!” And not forgetting diving for missing sweets which have fallen into our lane!
I’ve said it loads of times, there are swimming clubs, running groups, triathlon teams but Triathlon Swim Squad really is the best of the best. I feel so lucky to be part of such an awesome group of people and frequently in awe of the incredible challenges and achievements that just keep coming!”
The Sunday Riders
The Squad approach spilled out into bike sessions in 2024, where athletes would catch up with each other, enjoy (many) coffee stops, push each other along and have a load of fun!
“For Team Performance I would love to say the IM Wales squad as we were all on fire that day, but I have to say the team performance for me was not a race but Sunday morning training squad out on the bike. The group was never the same each week but we all made appearances and these Sunday mornings ride got half a dozen of us ready for an Ironman and more than a dozen ready for various other triathlons so for me this is team performance of the year.”
“The whole of the Sunday ride group encouraged and supported me so much I can’t thank them enough”
I think all of the above nominations ticked the boxes for team ethic, working together, and using each other to make us all better. Well done team!
Swim Squad Awards 2024: Team Performance of the Year
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