After winning “Young Team of the Year at the 2023 Bradford Sports Awards, and just one year after moving their training base from Halifax to Shipley Pool in Bradford, the City of Bradford Artistic Swimming teams are celebrating again.

They have moved from a ranking of 10th in the UK last year to seventh this year, following their participation at the culmination of their competition season, the Swim England National Combo Cup, which was held at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield last weekend.

The “Diamonds” team became UK Champions in the Elite Division 2, 13-18 age group with their routine based on the soundtrack from the film ‘Tron’. 

They were awarded an impressive 63.1333 points by the 15 judges for their artistic swimming routine, one of the highest scores seen across all age categories during the whole day.

The “Sapphires” team achieved the bronze medal, “Rubies” came fifth and “Pearls” came eight.

Masters teams also competed the following day in their national championship and the “Opals” team from City of Bradford came second in their age category and fourth overall in the UK.

Over 700 athletes took part in the Combo Cup, from 37 clubs across the country, with this event the largest in the Swim England domestic Artistic Swimming calendar. 

Out of the 80 routines performed, Diamonds also achieved the accolade of being awarded the highest score in the whole competition for the “Difficulty” and “Artistic Impression” elements.

The team members are Chloe S, Bethany S, Isabella L, Lily P, Keeva C, Chloe F, Orla C, Felicity W and Katie G.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Diamonds team of nine excelled in Sheffield.The Diamonds team of nine excelled in Sheffield. (Image: Will Johnston Photography.)

Head coach, Charlotte Hughes said “The Diamonds routine this year was technically hard and the girls performed it really well.

“We are a relatively small club compared to the clubs from the south.  Plus, we only have half the amount of training time per week as them to prepare our teams to compete alongside them in such a prestigious competition.”

The club has recently taken part in a Swim England ‘Inspired to Try’ programme and attracted enquiries from over 20 youngsters to attend taster sessions at Shipley Pool.

The club expects to grow again over the next 12 months and possibly field more teams next year as beginners move to competitive squads. 

Kirsty McGregor, parent and committee member said: “It was definitely the right decision for our club to move from Halifax to become the artistic swimming section of the elite City of Bradford Swimming Club one year ago. 

“After the upheaval of losing our training base in Halifax, our membership numbers had dropped by almost half, from over 100 pre-Covid.

“We are now building the club again and with the support of the swimming club, Shipley Pool and Bradford Aquatics Programme, we are delighted to be able to offer this new and exciting sport to youngsters across Bradford.”