Welsh and Wales-based swimmers produced an impressive night of racing on day three finals of Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in London, marked by podium finishes and key milestones.
Richards defends British title in style
Olympic medallist Matthew Richards (MBE) delivered the headline performance of the night, storming to gold in the Men’s 100m Freestyle A-final in 47.53. The swim saw him successfully defend his British title and record his fastest time this early in the season, signalling strong form as the year builds toward major international competition and the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026.
Distance success and strong university representation
In the gruelling Men’s 1500m Freestyle, Swansea University High Performance swimmer Alexander Sargeant claimed silver in 15:29.49, continuing an impressive championship for the programme with team mate Thomas Trebilcock also featured in the final, finishing eighth.
Para finals podium double
Welsh para swimmers celebrated a stunning double podium finish in the Men’s 100m Freestyle MC A‑final, with Rhys Darbey powering home to claim silver in 53.00 seconds, closely followed by Dylan Broom who secured bronze in 53.31.
Harris returns to the podium
After time away from the pool, Medi Harris marked a superb comeback with bronze in the Women’s 50m Backstroke (28.67). She later doubled up in the Women’s 200m Freestyle B-final, placing third to underline her return to form.
Rising star Taylor impresses
Seventeen-year-old Theodora Taylor produced one of the most exciting swims of the evening, finishing 4th in the Women’s 200m Freestyle (1:58.31). The performance continues a breakthrough season that has seen her earn selection for her first senior relay team.
In the MC A-final of the same event, Rose Williams placed fifth with a time of 02:12.49.
A-final appearances continue
- Sophie Brassington – 7th, Women’s 200m Breaststroke (2:29.70)
B-final highlights
Welsh swimmers enjoyed a strong showing in the B-finals:
- Rebecca Sutton – 1st, Women’s 50m Backstroke (29.06)
- Jack Knight – 3rd, Men’s 100m Backstroke (56.15)
- Zach Speakman – 7th, Men’s 100m Backstroke (56.45)
- Dan Jones – 7th, Men’s 100m Freestyle (49.70)
- Sophie Davies – 10th, Women’s 200m Freestyle (2:04.33)
- Alexandra Bastone – 6th, Women’s 200m Freestyle (2:01.95)
Junior finals success
The future of Welsh swimming was also on display in the junior finals:
- Harry Milne – 3rd, Men’s 100m Freestyle (49.73)
- Benedict McCarthy – 10th, Men’s 100m Backstroke (58.22)
- Mari Gibson – 3rd, Women’s 200m Breaststroke (2:35.43)
- Ffion Humphreys – 4th, Women’s 50m Backstroke (29.56)
Finals are scheduled for 6pm, with heats and B-finals available via the Aquatics GB livestream and medal races broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.
