Cousins Ava (year 4) and Sophie (year 5), are both competitive swimmers for Sutton and Cheam Swimming Club, and members of Banstead Prep’s successful swim squad.
Their weekly schedule is packed with training. “Today we have swimming, tomorrow we have swimming, and yesterday we had swimming,” Sophie said. It’s no exaggeration these two train up to four times a week, balancing training sessions with school life.
Their competitive swimming journey began at Banstead Prep. “Their first gala was here,” said Ava’s Mum, “They were in year 3 when they were first selected for the school swim squad.”
That first experience of competitive swimming turned a hobby into an almost daily commitment for both girls. Having access to a 17.5 metre on-site swimming pool has aided their development and helped to hone their skills as swimmers. Both girls say the school’s swimming lessons and the staff’s awareness of their abilities has helped to push them.
“They know we swim a lot outside of school, so they make sure we’re challenged in lessons,” Sophie said.
Ava’s Mum agrees. “The facilities at Banstead Prep have helped not only with swimming but socially, too,” she said. “They’ve formed strong friendships through swimming those long waits between races, cheering each other on.”
When asked what drives their commitment to keep up with the training both inside and outside of school and the answer came in unison: “Get a Surrey time!”
A “Surrey time” is no easy task, it is the qualifying standard needed to compete at county level. For Ava and Sophie, every gala is a chance to move one step closer. 
“We go to galas all the time,” Sophie explained, but their focus is not just on medal finishes. “We always want to beat our personal bests,” added Ava.
Both girls regularly compete and achieve medals in the under-12 category which really highlights their talent and determination. Ava’s main stroke is front crawl and Sophie’s is breaststroke, each racing against girls often a year or two older.
With their sights firmly set on Surrey qualification and continuing to achieve in the school’s swim squad, Ava and Sophie’s determination, talent and drive shine through in everything they do and their passion for Swimming is infectious.
As they continue their swimming journey Ava and Sophie remain shining examples of Banstead Prep’s sporting spirit.
So, what is next? More training, more galas and chasing that elusive Surrey time.
Interview conducted by Joseph Ford, on behalf of Banstead Prep School
