FORMER Frome Swimming Club star, Niamh Ward, recently grabbed gold in the 200m backstroke at the International Sports Federation (ISF) Gymnasiade 2022 event in Normandy, France.
The swimmer, who now trains at Team Bath AS, based at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village, also won bronze in the 4×100 mixed medley relay at the event.
Niamh has been swimming with Team Bath AS for eight years. She was selected by the English Schools’ Swimming Association to attend the ISF Gymnasiade after the ESSA Interdivisional National Championships in March this year, where she represented the South West.
Niamh said, “Winning gold in the 200m backstroke at the ISF Gymnasiade is one of my proudest moments so far, alongside getting a bronze with the team in the 4x100m mixed medley relay. I couldn’t have done it without the fantastic support from Team Bath AS and my coach, Chris Alderton!
“I also want to thank my school, Ralph Allen, who gave me time off my studies to attend this event. The entire competition was an amazing experience and I thank TMTI Limited for sponsoring me exclusively for this event.”
Team Bath AS head coach, Chris Alderton said, “Niamh had a fantastic week in France, and the success she achieved is a testament to the consistent work she puts in week in and week out. We knew some great performances could be achieved, as training had been going very well, but the 200m backstroke exceeded our expectations, and bringing home the gold medal was an amazing moment.
“It has been a privilege to work with Niamh as she has grown and developed into a quality athlete. Her focus and organisation in balancing a full training load with her academics have allowed Niamh to achieve the results she has over the last 12 months.”
The ISF Gymnasiade is the largest international multi-sport event for school students aged 16-18 years old. Organised for the first time in 1974, it celebrated its 19th edition this year in France. Held 14th to 22nd May, the event attracted over 3,500 athletes from 63 nations worldwide, who competed in sports ranging from badminton to boxing and swimming.
If you would like to know more about starting competitive swimming, please contact Frome Swimming Club. Alternatively, if you want to follow in the footsteps of Niamh, contact Team Bath AS at: www.teambathas.co.uk.
Picture Local swimmer Niamh Ward celebrates winning gold in the 200m backstroke at the International Sports Federation (ISF) Gymnasiade 2022 event in Normandy, France
