Swim Squad Awards 2025: The ‘Wow’ Moment

Swim Squad Awards 2025: The ‘Wow’ Moment

Inspirational Performances that made us stop and appreciate a moment in time.

Some moments make you stop and stare.

Some moments make the whole room – or the whole Squad – erupt in disbelief and delight.

Some moments are just… wow.

This category celebrates those extraordinary performances that left us all cheering, inspired, and asking: “Did that just happen?”

Dan: Breaking The Hour! 

Has a swim performance ever received this much attention? Probably not. This was one of the most nominated moments – in any category – this year. 

The dedication to break the hour barrier was meticulous – no stone left unturned, every session purposeful.

And when the clock stopped at 57 minutes, the reactions were unanimous: fists in the air, grins everywhere, pure joy.

A moment that reminded everyone what focus and commitment can achieve.

Sara: 12 Hour Time Trial

351 km in 12 hours (a speed of 29.3 kph) in some truly awful conditions. A feat of endurance that had the Squad in awe when the results and the distance covered popped up.

“I would’ve loved to put this in the inspiring category, but not sure it did that for me – just a ‘Jesus Christ, that’s impressive’ moment.”

Some moments are measured in power, pace, and distance. Some are measured in pure, jaw-dropping respect. Sara’s TT was both.

Nick Bennett: Lakeland 100 Ultra Run

To stand at the start line of a 100-mile ultra is a test of courage and dedicated preparation.

“To stand on that startline is a pretty big deal and something not to be overlooked. To me, shows a lot about his character. True grit, bravery and determination. He is an thlete I certainly look up to.”

A demonstration that character matters as much as speed.

James Riley: Ironman Bolton 70.3

First 70.3. Massive step up. Injuries. A bad crash.

James didn’t quit. He finished. And finished strong.

“Completion after a bad fall was truly remarkable… from really struggling in his first open water swim, to completing the race, to booking a full Ironman next year. Superb.”

A reminder that perseverance often defines the moment, not just the medals.

Jon: 32 Minute Ironman Mallorca 70.3 Swim

From non-swimmer a few years ago to 32-minute swim?

“Did you see Jon’s swim?! Wow! I did not know he was capable of that.”

“If Jon can do that, I wonder what is possible for me?”

Our Squad open water swim session was about to start, when the tracker pinged. Jon – 32 minutes for 1.9k. A performance that created a real buzz in the water that day. It resonated, showing what is possible when effort meets belief.

Sammie: Ironman Leeds Finish Line

Some moments are bigger when you witness them in person.

Standing 200m from the finish line at Ironman Leeds, the Squad waited for the jog-through, the milking-the-moment, high-fives at the ready.

But Sammie had other plans. She blasted past with a grin, speeding up as she went.

TrainingPeaks later confirmed the incredible effort: last 400m covered at 4:40 min/k average, peak 3:41 min/k.

Courage, determination, joy – all in one unforgettable final sprint.

What a moment.

Closing Thoughts

What ties all these nominations together isn’t just the performances – it’s the moments. Those tiny, unforgettable flashes when something clicks, shifts, or erupts into view.

The moment Sammie hit the carpet and every single doubt she ever had fell away.

The moment Dan realised he’d hit a goal he once thought belonged to “proper swimmers.”

The moment Jon walked up the beach, looked at the clock, and understood he’d just rewritten his limits.

The quiet tears after a finish line.

The shaky laugh after a fear conquered.

The look on someone’s face when they finally see what the rest of us have seen all along.

These wow moments aren’t always loud, but the best ones always leave a mark.

A bolt of electricity.

A shared intake of breath.

A squad full of people going, “Did you see that?!”

These were the moments that lifted us, inspired us, and reminded us why we do this – because at any time, on any given day, an athlete can do something that makes the whole squad believe a little more in themselves too.