Nottinghamshire made a real statement at the Swim England National County Team Championships 2025, with 24 swimmers aged between 12 and 17 proudly representing the county. The atmosphere at Ponds Forge in Sheffield was electric, filled with energy, colour and noise. Even Robin Hood would have struggled to hear himself think over the Nottinghamshire cheers that echoed across the pool.
Strong Results and Standout Performances
The team finished 10th overall with 344.5 points, a significant step forward from 2024, showing the growing strength and depth of swimming across the county. Among the standout performances was Effie Chapman, who finished third in the 100-metre freestyle in a time of 1:00.59, and Samuel Green, who claimed third in the 100-metre breaststroke in a time of 1:09.63.
Rising to the Challenge
A special mention goes to Harry Callaghan-Wetton, who stepped up at the last minute to replace the injured Mark Kiraly and delivered a brilliant swim, achieving a personal best in the 100-metre backstroke. His performance perfectly captured the spirit of Nottinghamshire swimming, where teamwork, pride, and opportunity go hand in hand.
Coaches’ Reflections
Lead coach for the male team, Alishia Palmer, reflected: “It was a joy to coach at the event with swimmers from all over Nottinghamshire coming together to swim and embrace the Robin Hood team spirit. The swimmers excelled themselves both in and out of the pool and encouraged their teammates throughout the whole day. For a lot of the swimmers on the team this was their first experience of a county team selection, but they stepped up and swam incredible.”
A Team Effort Behind the Scenes
Thank you to Jimmy Keyworth and Maxine Butterell from Retford, and Paul Collins from Sutton for their excellent team management support, as well as Emma Hickman and Lee Turnball from Carlton Forum for officiating.
Looking Ahead
The whole squad represented their clubs and county with commitment and enthusiasm, supported by a loud and passionate crowd. With results like these, Nottinghamshire continues to rise on the national stage and looks well set for even more success in 2026.
2025 Nottinghamshire County Team:
- Ahmet Yesil, Nova Centurion, Arnold
- Dante Palmer, Nova Centurion, Arnold
- Effie Chapman, Nova Centurion, Bramcote
- Ellis Millington, Nova Centurion, Sherwood Colliery
- Mark Kiraly, Nova Centurion, Bramcote
- Olivia Tagg, Nova Centurion, Nottingham Leander
- Sain Hedley, Nova Centurion, Nottingham Leander
- Sara Vasilevska, Nova Centurion, Bramcote
- Sasha Dzus, Nova Centurion, Bramcote
- Harry Callaghan Wetton, Nova Centurion, Sherwood Colliery
- Abby Turnbull, Carlton Forum
- Abigail Archer, Calverton and Bingham
- Ben Barnes, Nottingham Leander
- Corey Butterell, Bassetlaw
- Daisie Taylor, Bassetlaw
- David Bucur, Worksop
- Harriet Dickerson, Nottingham Leander
- Imogen Howitt, Bassetlaw
- Jared Collins, Sutton in Ashfield
- Layne Keyworth, Bassetlaw
- Niklas Saukko Paavola, Bramcote
- Olivia Beard, Bramcote
- Phillipa Hickman, Carlton Forum
- Samuel Green, Bassetlaw
- Zach Silcock, Carlton Forum
