On the weekend of 16th - 18th November, DUSC took 17 swimmers to Ponds Forge International Pool in the swimming hub of Sheffield for the BUCS 2018 long course championships. Competing against many universities from across the country, as well as a number of British Swimming guests including Molly Renshaw, Ross Murdoch and our own Poppy Rudin’s sister Rosie Rudin, meant for a challenging weekend of racing
It was a very successful weekend for the team, with PB's coming from everywhere, along with a 3rd place finish from Danielle Gilbert in the 50m breaststroke final. Dani also managed to break her own DUSC record at the same time!
A fast-paced first session kicked off the weekend, with the freestyle relay teams putting in solid performances. Carb loading and a music quiz happened at the hotel to prepare for the rest of the long weekend that is BUCS nationals.
The most challenging day of BUCS, Saturday, saw many determined swims throughout the day. There were many PB’s celebrated by the team as the races came thick and fast on the busiest day of the meet. This was joined by swimmers taking time to rest on poolside, with very hot conditions making this day more difficult than usual. Saturday saw the largest number of fines handed out for various reasons, including PB’s and sleeping on poolside. The team then checked into Caffe Piazza for a wind down of the day, followed by an early night for one more day of racing.
On Sunday, the team kept up our reputation as one of the best supported teams on poolside with lots of cheering for the swimmers still competing. The weekend was ended with a superb 7th place finish from Danielle Gilbert in the 100m Breaststroke final summing up a successful weekend for the team. This was followed by the traditional photo shoots on poolside.
The journey back was filled with excitement for the post-BUCS social that followed upon arrival back in Durham. The weekends fines were handed out and an evening of well deserved relaxation was enjoyed by all.
For all the efforts of the team, both in and out of the pool, a big well done! Although it’s back to the slog for the next competition coming soon!
