Berlin British School News
GISST Swimming Tournament in Frankfurt am Main
On 29th January, 21 pupils, Mrs. Standring (Coach), Mrs. Ferrero and Mr. Nicholson set off for Frankfurt am Main to compete in the annual GISST Swimming Tournament.
We would like to thank those students who still chose to represent the BBS even though it was their birthday on the day of departure and a few were not feeling 100%. It is this dedication and sacrifice that marks you above the rest.
The first day saw the young year 6 children, Cheng Foo, Kathleen Caulfield, Kirsten Allen and Max Standring compete against year 9 children! It may seem unfair, but this is the start of their experience, challenge and knowledge accusation. Cheng Foo stood out for bravely swimming butterfly as the youngest entrant.
The Varsity boys started as they meant to finish and that was in front and breaking records! They started by taking 3 seconds off the breaststroke relay record – well done Joel, Victor, Freddy and Toni!
The Varsity Girls’, U14 Girls’ and U14 Boys’ all finished in 5th place. They swam gallantly in a competition that was of a very high standard.
The day finished with two disqualifications and every team having learnt the finer points of the very strict Fina Rules!
The 2nd day arrived with nerves jingling. The pupils were not feeling their best and their bodies were not feeling anything!
Amelie – “But I’ll bang my head when I turn!”
Zach – “My arm’s sore”
Selina – “ My throat is very sore”
Zach went on to prove that “mind over matter” does work by winning 2nd place in 50m Free style final. Everyone distinguished themselves wonderfully!
Swimming is a very dangerous sport, as Miles found out when he hurt his foot controlling a basketball!
The most exciting Final was the Varsity Boys’ 50m Freestyle, which was won by Joel but pushed all the way by our very own Toni, a second behind Joel! Wow! Such power.
Sydel Berryman was the star of the Varsity Girls’ Team, breaking 2 records and winning two medals: 100 m Backstroke – 1:10,58 and 50 Backstroke – 33,21
Joel Berryman was the star of the Varsity Boys’ Team, breaking 3 records and winning three medals: 50 Free 25,61 and 50 Backstroke 28,63 and Breaststroke Relay 2:35,78.
We wish to thank all of the swimmers above for giving everything in the competition and for giving up their Saturday to represent the BBS.
It was a wonderful trip and we look forward to next year.
Mrs. Standring (Coach) and Mr. Nicholson
