Stratford Sharks Swimming Club round-up
The Stratford Sharks swim team is, once again, celebrating the outstanding achievements of its athletes from seasoned masters to rising young talents.
The swimmers' dedication and success reflect the club's commitment to encouraging a lifelong love of swimming while supporting personal growth and well-being.
At the University of Birmingham Masters meet, Stratford Sharks' mother and son duo of Theo Skirvin and Ali Skirvin delivered exceptional performances.
Theo achieved personal bests in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly.
Ali was delighted to secure a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle, a silver in the 50m breaststroke, and gold medals in both the 50m backstroke and 200m breaststroke - both epitomising the resilience and perseverance that define the Sharks community.
The club is also thrilled to highlight the rising stars of its younger squads.
Thirteen-year-old Harry Connor will compete in the 100m breaststroke at the prestigious Aquatics GB Next Generation Championship, formerly the British Summer Championships.
This takes place at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield from July 19-25.
Harry will then be back at Ponds Forge later in July to join Jacob Smith, also 13, at the Swim England Go Cardless National Summer Meet in the 200m breaststroke.
Jacob has also qualified for the 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley.
The GoCardless Swim England National Summer Meet is Swim England's biggest domestic swimming event of the year.
Not to be outdone, Stratford Sharks Masters swimmers are currently preparing to take on the 2025 British Masters Championships, set to take place this weekend in London.
This elite competition is the highest level of domestic masters swimming in Great Britain and the club is proud to have two swimmers qualifying for multiple events.
Ali Skirvin has earned spots in the 50m and 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle, and 100m breaststroke, while Neil Truscott will compete in both the 50m and 100m backstroke races.
Their qualification for such a prestigious championship showcases the depth of talent within Stratford Sharks.
Head coach Kim Mortimer expressed pride in the team's achievements.
She said: "We are incredibly proud of our swimmers, from our masters competitors to our younger athletes who are stepping onto the national stage.
"Their dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport are inspiring.
"At Stratford Sharks, we believe swimming is not just about winning medals but about personal growth, discipline and the friendships formed along the way.
"With the right support, these swimmers can continue reaching new heights and making a positive impact in our community."
To sustain the club’s success and to continue to provide the best opportunities for its swimmers, Stratford Sharks is actively seeking corporate sponsorship.
It is inviting local businesses to get in contact if they share Sharks' commitment to inspiring, both young and older, people to be the best versions of themselves.
Businesses can choose to build a longer-term partnership with the team through main club sponsorships or provide one-off support via specific event sponsorship.
Swimmers would also welcome contributions toward their specific needs - including donations of kit or provisions, contributions towards travel and accommodation for competitors, and financial aid to cover pool time, coaching and competition fees.
For sponsorship enquiries or more information about Stratford Sharks, please contact fundraising@teamsharks.com
