Derventio swimmers eXcel at School Games 2012!

England Central Swimming Team 2012 (Back row left - Sarah Vasey, Back row 3rd from left Ben Goodall, and front row right Abbie Wood)

Derventio eXcel Swimmers Abbie Wood, Sarah Vasey and Ben Goodall all competed in the School Games 2012 yesterday at the London Olympic Park.

All 3 Derventio eXcel swimmers were selected back in February to swim for the England Team in the Sainsbury's sponsored multi-sport event in which thousands of school aged athletes competed for the home nations of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.



Abbie Wood at the Aquatics Centre, Olympic Park

The Swimmers competed in the Olympic Aquatic Centre, in which Abbie, Ben and Sarah had already competed at the Olympic Trials back in March, however, this time the 17,000 capacity stands were open and swimmers were able to go and have a look at the view which spectators will be able to see come the Olympic Games in July 2012.

View from the back row of the Spectators seats

This Games was the final test event before the Olympic Park goes on "Lockdown" to prepare for the Olympic Games.  Athletes were lucky in that on the days they werent competing they got to go and visit other sports and the venues.  Athletes were treated to a mini Olympic enviroment in which they stayed together as teams, eat in an Olympic village type cafeteria and competed together.

Thousands of School children were invited to the Sports events to watch and support and this gave a feel as to what the venue will look and feel like at the Olympics...

View of the Spectators stands