What a season it has been for B+D Aquatics Club! As we close the book on the 2025–26 swimming season, there is so much to celebrate — not least completing our first full year as an independent club.
We couldn’t be prouder of how far our swimmers have come. This season saw more B+D swimmers than ever representing the club at County and Regional level, with our competitive squads continuing to grow in confidence, experience and ambition.
But this season has never been just about those swimming at the very highest levels. One of the things we’re most proud of is the breadth of opportunities we’ve been able to offer swimmers at every stage of their competitive journey.
Opportunities for every swimmer 🏊
For swimmers continuing to develop and work their way up the competitive pathway, we packed the calendar with Level 3 and Level 4 meets, giving swimmers plenty of opportunities to experience competition, test themselves against new opponents, chase PBs and build confidence on the blocks.
We also hosted three of our own club competitions this season, giving our swimmers the chance to race on home soil in a familiar environment while still experiencing the excitement and pressure of competition. We rounded off our home competition programme in July with the Summer Spectacular welcoming our guest the Mayor of Barking & Dagenham, which was a brilliant way to celebrate the season.
We also continued our participation in the Essex Mini League, with swimmers competing as part of the B+D team and enjoying the fantastic atmosphere, team spirit, cheering, horns and — of course — the brilliant relays!
And we’re not quite finished yet. The final two rounds of this season’s Essex Mini League take place in September and October, so there is still plenty of racing to come before we officially close the chapter on the league.
Making a splash in open water 🌊
This season also saw B+D swimmers take on something new, with our first representation at regional open water competitions, followed by a select group taking on the National Open Water Championships.
For many of our swimmers, open water was a completely new challenge — different conditions, different tactics and a very different experience from racing in the pool. It was fantastic to see them embrace it and come away with valuable experience.
National stage, big performances 🇬🇧
Of course, there were some outstanding performances at the highest levels of competition too.
Mia Newman had an exceptional year. At the Scottish Nationals, she took home Silver in the 100m Butterfly, and prior to this attended the Maltese Nationals winning two Gold medals in the 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle.
At the English Nationals, Tonis Klova produced two fantastic PBs in the 200m and 100m Backstroke, while Aiden Doorbejan also came away with PBs to be proud of in the 200m and 100m Breaststroke.
And for the first time, we took three B+D swimmers all the way to the Nationals — a huge milestone for the club and a reflection of the hard work being put in week after week at training.
And then came the Commonwealth Games… 🥇
As if the season couldn’t finish on a bigger high, Brock Whiston brought home Gold at the Commonwealth Games in the 100m Breaststroke SB8.
Brock breaks Games record as England swimmers secure five-medal haul
Brock Whiston delivered a sensational performance to lead Team England’s medal charge on day four of swimming competition at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
She claimed gold in record-breaking style while fellow para swimmer Iona Winnifrith added bronze in a memorable double podium finish.
Whiston produced the swim of the night in the Women’s SB8 100m Breaststroke final, slashing almost five seconds from her morning heats time to touch in a Commonwealth Games record 1:22.05.
The victory adds Commonwealth gold to the Paralympic silver medallist’s growing collection of international honours.
An incredible achievement and a fantastic way to round off an already memorable year. We are hugely proud to see a B+D swimmer competing and succeeding on the Commonwealth stage.
Developing our swimmers beyond the pool 💡
This season wasn’t just about racing. We also held our first club workshop with Jamie Ingram, giving our swimmers the opportunity to learn, develop and think about their swimming from a different perspective.
It was a fantastic first step and something we’re excited to build on. There’s plenty more to come in the new season, with further opportunities planned to support our swimmers both in and out of the pool.
One season ends. Another begins. 💙
There is plenty to be proud of as we look back on 2025–26.
From swimmers competing at their first Level 4 meet, to those chasing County and Regional times, representing B+D at Open Water and Nationals, and ultimately competing on the Commonwealth stage — every swimmer has had their own milestones to celebrate this year.
That is what makes this season so special.
Our first full year as an independent club has been one of growth, opportunity and ambition. We’ve competed more, hosted more, tried new things and created more opportunities for our swimmers to develop at whatever stage of their journey they are on.
After a well-earned summer break, everyone is rested, recharged and ready to get back in the water. With the final two Mini League rounds still to come in September and October, alongside a packed calendar already taking shape for the new season, there is plenty to look forward to.
The 2026–27 season is just around the corner — and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Bring on the new season, B+D! 🏊♀️💙🏊♂️