City of Leeds was proudly represented by 20 senior swimmers at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, held at the London Aquatics Centre, the premier domestic meet featuring the very best of British swimming. With Olympic medallists and world finalists such as Adam Peaty and Duncan Scott in the field, qualification alone is a significant achievement. For City of Leeds to have 20 athletes earn their place on the start list is a clear reflection of the programme’s strength, depth, and consistency at the highest level. Notably, Emily England-Hall and Grace O’Hara were the club’s youngest qualifiers, both just 13 years old, racing as 14s with open-age qualifying times. To reach a senior national championships under those conditions is an outstanding achievement and underlines the strength of the club’s emerging talent.
Across six days of racing, the team delivered an exceptional set of performances, combining finals appearances, personal bests, and a series of record-breaking swims. Emma Wood led the way with dominant junior performances in the sprint freestyle events, while Dan Ransom produced a breakthrough meet, rewriting both age group and open club records — notably in the 200 IM with a landmark sub-two-minute swim. Gabe also impressed on the senior stage, securing bronze in the 50m freestyle, setting multiple club and Yorkshire records. There were also multiple junior final appearances for Matilda Potter and Tom Wooffindin. Endurance events proved a particular strength throughout the meet, with standout swims from Joe and Issy Hall, Will Wilson, and Millie Threlfall, all delivering across demanding long-distance races. Collectively, the championships highlighted not only individual excellence but the depth, resilience, and upward trajectory of the City of Leeds programme.
Congratulations to all swimmers, coaches and support staff on an outstanding week of racing. To top it off, we are incredibly proud to announce that Gabe Shepherd has been officially selected to represent Great Britain at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships in Paris as part of the 4x200m men’s freestyle relay. A phenomenal achievement and a fitting reward for his performances. Bring on Paris. Let’s go Gabe! 💙💛🦈