Platypus Swimming Club was delighted to host its Inter-Club Gala at Hatfield Swim Centre on Sunday 31st May 2026. There were 40 swimmers from five teams, namely Platypus A Team, Platypus B Team, Dolphins (Stevenage), Turtles (Ruislip) and Runnymede (Benfleet). The age range of participants was approximately 8 to 80!
There were one, two and three length races for ladies, gentlemen and juniors. There was a diving competition for both ladies and gentlemen, and junior, ladies and gentlemen relay races. Plus, a ‘Special race’ against our special Paralympian guest Louise Fiddes! Medals were awarded for 1st -3rd place in all events, and a shield for the winning team – Runnymede.
Graeme Rollings, our Chairman commented on the event “This is the Club’s 60th year and to mark this milestone we wanted to make it a very special event for our members and the visiting clubs. We invited Paralympic Gold medallist Louise Fiddes and the Mayor for Welwyn and Hatfield, Michal Siewniak. Louise swam in the last event, competing against a swimmer from each Club. Our races are swam using a handicap time system resulting in Louise coming third. The competitors loved swimming alongside and meeting Louise. After the events we had a presentation during which Louise and the Mayor presented the medals and Louise gave a short speech outlining her journey to becoming a Paralympian and passed around her Olympic gold medal. The overall winning club was Runnymede who are based in Essex. A great time was had by everyone.”
