Record Numbers Celebrate RTW Monson’s Annual Awards Night

Record Numbers Celebrate RTW Monson’s Annual Awards Night 

More than two hundred of RTW Monson’s members packed the Masonic Hall in St. John's on Friday 23^rdMarch to celebrate a hugely successful year. Swimmers, parents and coaches took a rare break from training to enjoy an entertaining evening of awards, prizes and dancing.

Monson’s impressive array of silverware, accumulated during its one hundred and seventeen-year history, had been lovingly prepared for the occasion by dedicated volunteer and coach Wendy Dray. During the evening, shields, trophies and medals were awarded to swimmers for outstanding successes in a variety of events ranging from the Kent County Championships, to the Club’s own annual Championships and for specific achievements across the previous twelve months.

Compering the event, Alan Crewe announced Annabel Guye-Johnson as the deserved winner of the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award. This came in recognition of her phenomenal recent successes including being invited onto the GB junior performance squad, winning a Bronze medal in the 200m Breaststroke at the World Junior Championships in Indianapolis, and receiving the ‘Athlete of the year’ accolade at the England Talent Awards 2017.

Sixteen-year-old Andre Strydom won in no less than twenty-four different categories and took home the coveted ‘Best Male Swimmer’ award. In 2017, he qualified to swim at his first British and English Nationals, taking part in multiple events. He also had a fantastic County Championships and Regionals winning multiple medals. In a touching moment, Strydom collected the shield from Head Coach Graham Bassi, a trophy which had previously been won by his late brother Chris in 1968.

‘Best Female Swimmer’ went to Jemimah Berkeley who achieved exceptional results last year. Highlights included County and Regional Gold medals, silvers at the British Summer Championships and winner of the Sussex Sports Awards ‘Young Sports Personality of the Year’.

Reflecting on the evening, Paddy Ryan, Club Chairperson deemed the event a huge success. “It was a fantastic opportunity to recognise our fantastic swimmers along with our coaches and volunteer community who without their support our club wouldn’t be the success it is”.

Other notable winners included Kody Bradbury (Swimming Perseverance), Jemima Rudd-Jones (Improver), Reuben Edwards (Club Captain’s award), Mimi Vorster (Progress), Alex Turton (Junior Service) and Holly Hobbs and Aidan Crewe (Club Contribution).

Fifty-nine Monson swimmers achieved Kent County entry times this year, resulting in nearly three hundred swims. The successful athletes are pictured on stage celebrating their achievements.

RTW Monson is always looking for young athletes who have the desire to pursue their dreams in the pool. If you are interested in joining a high-performance team, or want to check out our ‘learn to swim’ programme, please contact us via our website: www.rtwmonson.org