A 23-strong team made the journey to New York in June for IGLA 2019 and World Pride. As ever, the team performed exceptionally coming 5th overall out of 72 teams and scoring 1768. The men’s and women’s teams finished 4th and 5th respectively, despite only having 4 women.

In addition to winning 63 medals (27G, 17S & 19B), there were a number of personal victories, including:

• Andrew B beating Olympic swimmer Fonua in 50 breastroke

• 2 outstanding personal bests in the women’s 1500m freestyle

• OTS taking all three medal spots in the 30-34 men’s 200m breaststroke

• Making up a third of the total competitors for the women’s 200 fly

• Fielding one of only two women’s medley relays against a pool full of mixed teams

• A swimmer being part of a winning relay for the first time

• Swimmers conquering the 200m breaststroke and 400 IM for the first time in competition

• Making it to every warmup, despite enjoying New York to its fullest.

As ever it was noted that we cheer the loudest, always look like we’re having a great time and stayed on poolside until the last swimmers came in (thank you to the men’s team for cheering the women’s team in!)

Once the competition was over, OTS continue to work (and play) just as hard at the IGLA Closing Party and World Pride. All of the poolside and Central Park practice paid off with the world debut of our ‘Wet’ choreography, a week before London Pride.

Thank you and congratulations to all the swimmers who took part and made a truly memorable week. A reminder to any swimmers wanting to join us next time, that GLLAM is coming up in September and Eurogames 2020 (also LGBT+) will be in August.

Anyone with any questions, please ask Swim Captains Steph and Paul