STUDENTS from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School were given the opportunity to participate in the Welsh Swimming Championships.

The championships were held in Swansea over four days of the Easter weekend.

Oscar Hewitt (year seven) Archie Hewitt (year 11) and Caroline Mustey (year seven) all qualified to compete at the National Championships.

Oscar and Caroline both swim for Monnow Swimming club and train at Monmouth Prep School and swimming pool.

Archie swims for Torfaen Dolphins Swim Performance Centre in Pontypool and has been coaching some of the younger swimmers in the prep school during the course of this year to support their preparations for the IAP swimming competition.

Oscar competed in seven events, made five finals and picked up a silver medal in the 50m Freestyle event, smashing his Personal Bests in most of the events.

Archie qualified for six events and two relays; he made the final of the 50m fly against a tough line up of 16- and 17-year-olds taking time off a number of his personal bests. Archie managed to pick up Gold in the four times 100 freestyle relay and Bronze in the four times 100 Medley relay.

Caroline qualified for eight events and made three finals, she picked up a bronze medal in the 50m free and also taking time off of her Personal Best’s in most of the events.

In order to participate in the swimming event, they had to achieve specific qualifying times to enter the championships in the different events.

The Easter championships are the first three National Championships that take place each year. The others are in Summer in July and August and then Winter in December.

In reflection of the pupil’s hard work, Oscar and Archie Hewitt’s mum, Gemma Hewitt said: “Their qualification and success at the championships is a culmination of months of hard training.