The BUCS Long Course Championships are always a highlight of the university swimming calendar, a stage where the very best student-athletes from across the country come together to test themselves against elite competition. This year was no exception.

For the swimmers representing the University of Nottingham, powered by the ever-growing partnership with Nova Centurion Swimming Club and supported by the County Swim Squad, it was a weekend defined by resilience, progress, finals appearances, and, most importantly, pride in wearing the green and gold.

First and foremost, congratulations to every single swimmer. Whether you raced, supported from poolside, or battled injury behind the scenes, you are part of something that is progressing massively.

Swimming at Nottingham is not standing still. It is moving forward at pace.

A Programme on the Rise

Swimming is playing a vital role in the continued sporting success of the University of Nottingham. Last year, UoN finished second overall, an outstanding achievement reflecting depth, consistency and high-performance culture across the programme.

This year, the ambition is clear: we are firmly in the hunt to achieve something similar again.

The growth of the UoN, Nova and County Swim Squad alignment has elevated standards across every session. Training intensity has increased. Accountability has sharpened. Performance expectations are higher. And the results are following.

A Team Representing Excellence

This year, Nova swimmers proudly racing for UoN at BUCS LC were:

• Megan Sng – Medicine
• Leo Taylor – Economics
• Tyler Tombs – Politics, Philosophy & Economics
• Zach Moyo – Engineering with Physical Sciences
• James McClure – Sports Rehabilitation
• Joe Burgess – Sport & Exercise Science
• Francesca Hallam-Scott – Chemistry
• Emily Riach – Human Rights Law
• Isis van der Stroom – Veterinary Medicine

Unfortunately, Isis was unable to compete due to injury, a reminder of the physical demands of elite sport. Even so, she remains a valued and important part of this team. That’s what makes this environment different: everyone contributes.

Finals, Performances & Big Stage Moments

The BUCS Long Course Championships are relentless. Heats in the morning. Finals at night. No margin for error.

To progress into a final  individually or via relay  is a huge achievement at this level. And this year, our swimmers delivered.

Individual Finalists

• Megan Sng – 50m Breaststroke
• Megan Sng – 100m Breaststroke
• Zach Moyo – 50m Breaststroke
• Emily Riach – 1500m Freestyle
• Emily Riach – 800m Freestyle
• Francesca Hallam-Scott – 1500m Freestyle
• Francesca Hallam-Scott – 400m Individual Medley
• Tyler Tombs – 200m Breaststroke

Making one final at BUCS is significant. Making multiple finals across sprint and distance events demonstrates depth, preparation and resilience. From explosive breaststroke speed to relentless endurance over 800m and 1500m, the range of strengths across this team was clear for all to see.

Relay Power

Relays are where team culture becomes visible.

The 4x100m Medley and Mixed Medley relays, featuring Leo Taylor, Tyler Tombs, Joe Burgess and Megan Sng, progressed to the final, underlining how individual excellence translates into collective strength.

Relays require trust. They require cohesion. They require belief in the teammate next to you.

That belief is growing stronger every season.

The Strength of the Nova x UoN Partnership

One of the defining features of this year has been the deepening partnership between Nova and the University of Nottingham.

In the lead-up to BUCS, UoN swimmers trained alongside Nova’s high-performance group as part of preparation for the upcoming GB Aquatics Trials. That alignment has sharpened standards across the board:

• High-performance coaching
• A culture geared toward national-level competition
• Training alongside athletes targeting GB representation
• A clear pathway between university sport and elite swimming

This is not just about one championship weekend. It is about building a sustainable performance environment where academic ambition and elite sport work hand in hand.

And it is working.

Why This Matters for the Next Generation

For swimmers considering the University of Nottingham, this programme proves something powerful:

You can study Medicine, Engineering, Law, Chemistry or Economics.

You can train in a high-performance environment.

You can compete at national-level university championships.

You can belong to a team that genuinely supports each other.

The partnership between Nova, UoN and the County Swim Squad is only getting stronger. The pathway is clearer. The ambitions are bigger.

If you are a swimmer considering your university options and want to understand how performance swimming can align with your academic journey, you can find out more about the Nova University Swimming pathway here: https://novacenturion.co.uk/university-swimming/

Proud to Wear the Green and Gold

The BUCS Long Course Championships 2024 showcased more than finals and fast times.

They showcased progress.

To Megan, Leo, Tyler, Zach, James, Joe, Francesca, Emily and Isis, congratulations!

Your performances, professionalism and commitment are raising standards for everyone around you. You are part of a programme that finished second overall last year and is firmly in the hunt to do something similar again.

Swimming at Nottingham is progressing massively, and it is playing a vital role in driving the university’s continued success on the national stage.

Being part of this team is special.

And this is only the beginning.