Cardiff International Pool – 1st & 2nd March 2025
The sun shone brightly over the Welsh capital this past weekend, and the heat was certainly on in the Cardiff International Pool as 20 of the UK’s top swimming teams battled it out in the B-Final on Saturday and the prestigious Cup Final on Sunday.
Link to watch the streams from the weekend – https://shockwavedigital.live/downloads/
Saturday 1st March – B-Final
It was a case of déjà vu as Camden Swiss Cottage successfully defended their B-Final title, scoring 378 points in a tightly contested meet. Basildon Phoenix followed closely with 374 points, while RTW Monson secured third place with 290 points.
The London-based Camden team fought for every point across the 51 events, with a nail-biting competition against Basildon throughout. Their head coach, Adam Taylor, expressed his pride in his team’s achievement:
“It’s fantastic to retain the title again this year. To be back-to-back champions is a special achievement and a proud day for everyone associated with Camden. We’re looking forward to building on this and hopefully challenging for the Cup Final next season.”
Top Swimmers of the B-Final
Female: Amalie Smith (RTW Monson) – 808 WA pts (200IM, 2:15.36)
Male: Hayden Annan (RTW Monson) – 722 WA pts (100 Free, 55.65)
Final Standings – B-Final
Camden Swiss Cottage – 378
Basildon Phoenix – 374
RTW Monson – 290
Blythe Barracudas – 286
City of Peterborough – 276
Norwich Swan – 276
Woking – 258
Poole – 256
Stockport – 222
City of Coventry – 190
Sunday 2nd March – Cup Final
Guildford City SC made history by retaining their National Arena League Cup Final title in an electrifying competition. The lead changed hands multiple times between Guildford and Repton School, with Mount Kelly, Millfield, and Wycombe District battling fiercely for podium positions.
Guildford City’s head coach, Lee Spindlow, praised his team’s dedication:
“We have become the first club in history to hold both the Junior and Senior Arena League Trophies in back-to-back seasons. This incredible achievement is only possible due to the hard work of our coaches, management team, parents, and volunteers. Our success is built on commitment, teamwork, and ‘The Guildford Way’—a culture that supports and develops excellent athletes and people alike.”
Top Swimmers of the Cup Final
Female: Eva Okaro (Repton, GB Olympian) – 802 WA pts (100 Free, 55.65)
Male: Jacob Mills (Repton, GB Junior International) – 807 WA pts (100 Free, 49.82)
Final Standings – Cup Final
Guildford City – 363
Repton – 359
Mount Kelly – 331
Millfield – 322
Wycombe District – 311
Chelsea Westminster – 271
City of Cardiff – 267
Bromley – 260
Winsford – 167
City of Norwich – 154
The 2025 National Arena League Finals were a true spectacle, showcasing elite-level performances and thrilling races. Congratulations to all the teams and swimmers who competed and made this an unforgettable weekend of swimming!
