January proved to be another successful month for Barnet Copthall swimmers.

Members of the senior squads travelled to the Welsh National Pool in Swansea to compete in the top-level Swim Wales New Year Dragon gala.

The swimmers saw considerable success, winning 35 medals, including 16 golds over the three-day event. Five Barnet Copthall swimmers shared the gold-medal success. Freddie Cornwell (12 years) led the way with seven gold medals from seven events (100m & 200m backstroke; 100m & 200m butterfly; 100 & 200m freestyle; and 200m individual medley). Charlie Boldison (18 years) won five gold medals and one silver (50m, 100m, 200m backstroke; 50m butterfly; 50m freestyle and silver in 100m freestyle), while Oliver Keegan (16 years) won two gold medals and a further silver (100m & 200m butterfly and silver in 50m butterfly).

Karis Fuller (13 years) won gold in her age group 200m backstroke along with a silver in the same event in the youth (up to 15 year olds) competition, and another silver medal in the 100m backstroke.

Emily Bell (13 years) won a gold medal in her age group 200m butterfly and a bronze medal in the same event in the youth competition.

Head coach Rhys Gormley said: “The team performed extremely well against strong competition from across Wales and the south of England. The squad had a number of notable successes aside from the gold-medal winning performances, securing an additional ten silver medals and nine bronze medals as well as numerous finalists.

"Travelling to away galas as a squad builds great team spirit, which, coupled with the large volume of successful swims, must act as a real catalyst for another great year for Barnet Copthall swimmers.”