Swim Squad Awards 2025: Performance of the Year

Swim Squad Awards 2025: Performance of the Year

With so many athletes racing this year, and so many remarkable performances across so many events, we were absolutely spoiled for choice with this category. Our Squad didn’t just compete – they showed courage, patience, resilience, and an ability to rise to the moment.

These are the athletes and the races that were nominated by the Squad – some of them several times – and every single one earned their place here through enthusiasm, excellence, and heart.

Sara: Ironman Wales

3rd in Age Group • 14th Female Overall • 12:25

“The stand-out jaw drop of the year was seeing Sara stung by a jellyfish so badly she thought something was ripping her jaw off… and then getting back into that water the next day to smash the swim, bike, and run. Well WOW, just wow.”

This performance had everything: adversity, bravery, precision, and world-class execution and was nominated by lots of our athletes. Sara returned from a serious injury earlier in the season with patience and absolute commitment – and Ironman Wales rewarded that work in the biggest way. Stoical, humble, fiercely determined: this was a masterclass in how to prepare and peak for your big event.

Shane: The Geordieman

11:21 • 3rd Overall • Age Group Winner

“Shane at Geordieman. Third overall. Wow!”

A performance as tough as the race itself. Shane produced one of those days where everything syncs: tough conditions, disciplined pacing, and a result that turned heads. A breakthrough into the sharp end of racing – and fully deserved.

David: Ironman Barcelona

Debut Ironman • 10:59

“David’s debut Ironman. Quietly brilliant.”

“What a performance in all three disciplines in his first Ironman.”

There are debuts, and then there’s what David produced in Barcelona. Controlled, consistent, and unbelievably calm for a first go at the distance. His year had already started well (Outlaw Half) – but this race sealed it. A sub-11 Ironman that showed he belongs in this sport.

Kate: Ironman Barcelona

First Ironman • 13:35

“Kate smashing her first Ironman with consistency, control and more than a touch of grit – proving her own doubts wrong”

Kate’s race was all about self-belief. A perfectly executed swim, a measured bike, and a run that oozed confidence and self-control. She overcame doubts, trusted the plan, and delivered one of the most assured first-Ironman performances we’ve seen.

Tash: The Outlaw

12:58 • Massive PB • 28th Female

“She was eaten up and spat out by the run at Outlaw 2024. In 2025 she came back and made that run her b*tch.”

Redemption arcs rarely look this good. Tash’s return to Outlaw was fierce, mature, and brilliantly executed. A sub-13 finish, a huge PB, and a marathon that announced loud and clear that she is not the same athlete she was a year ago.

Jo: Ironman Mallorca 70.3

5th Fastest Female Swim • Brilliant All-Round Execution

“Performance of 2025 has to be Jo doing Ironman Mallorca 70.3 and swimming past the pros!”

Jo combined elite-level swimming with intelligent racing across all three disciplines. Mallorca brought heat, hills, and competition – and Jo rose to every bit of it. A defining performance in her season.

Matt F: Ironman Leeds

First Ironman • 12:10

“Is there anything this one isn’t good at? First Ironman, one of the hardest out there, and Matt flew round.”

Calm, composed, mature beyond his experience. Leeds knocked plenty of people off rhythm, but Matt didn’t flinch. A debut built on discipline and smart decision-making. A performance that told us there is so much more to come from him.

Lisa: Arctic Circle Swim

Epic Long-Distance Swim

“Finland into Sweden… crossing the Arctic Circle! And she acted like it was nothing.”

This wasn’t just a swim – it was an adventure. Cold water, remote conditions, and a crossing that most swimmers would never even contemplate. Lisa quietly took it on and delivered something unforgettable.

Sara: 12-Hour Cycling Time Trial

351 km • 29.3 kph

“Epic TT ride.”

“Just a ‘Jesus Christ, that’s impressive’ moment.”

“12 hours on a bike… and the distance she covered was insane.”

A second nomination for Sara – and no surprise. This was one of the most extraordinary physical efforts of anyone this year. Twelve hours of riding, no drop in determination, no hesitation, just relentless power. It left the whole Squad speechless.

Peter: Ironman Lanzarote

Early-Season Ironman • Perfectly Managed with a Wedding on the Horizon

“Going early in Lanza with minimal fuss. His consistency and learning are phenomenal.”

Ironman Lanzarote is brutal at the best of times. Doing it while juggling real-life commitments, big responsibilities, and a wedding on the doorstep is another level. Peter handled everything with his trademark calm and delivered a hugely impressive performance.

Sammie: Ironman Leeds

First Ironman • 14:39 • Textbook Execution

“The most disciplined run I’ve seen. When her 1-minute walk was up, she fired straight back into running. Sammie DID NOT STOP.”

“Epic performance after surgery and a stunning finish.”

Sammie’s race was a story of discipline, courage, and emotional strength. Leeds was never going to be easy – but she held her nerve, trusted her pacing, and carried herself like a veteran. One of the most admired finishes of the entire year.

Dani: Lakeland 70.3 (British Middle-Distance Champs)

3rd in Age Group

“A super race, executed well and one to be proud of.”

Pressure, competition, and a championship environment didn’t shake Dani for a second. Smart racing, strong pacing, and a podium in a national championship – a brilliant achievement.

Shane: M2L 80km Ultra

10th Overall • 4:44/km average pace

“Finishing top 10 is a remarkable performance and one he should be extremely proud of.”

Shane’s second nomination – and deservedly so. M2L is one of the most demanding ultras in the UK, and he tore through it at quite a pace. A genuinely elite performance from someone who keeps rewriting his own limits.

Closing Thoughts

What a year. What a Squad.

From first-time finishers to record-breaking efforts, from quiet confidence to bold comebacks – these performances captured everything that makes this community special.

Talent is brilliant. Hard work matters.

But it’s the humility, the support, the shared pride, and the way everyone lifts each other that makes these moments shine.

Here’s to every athlete who raced this year.

Here’s to every nomination, every cheer, every message of support.

And here’s to an even bigger year ahead – because if 2025 taught us anything, it’s that this Squad is getting better and better.