Monson Make History with Bronze at National Arena Final

Earlier this month, RTW Monson competed in the National Arena League Plate Cup Final, securing third place after a gripping final relay. The prestigious event, held at Birmingham’s Sandwell Aquatics Centre, saw a squad of 39 swimmers deliver Monson’s best-ever performance in a National Arena League final.

One of the most vibrant fixtures in the swimming calendar, the event began with a colourful parade as all competing clubs circled the pool. Monson were proudly led by team captains Aubry Armada Bennett and Maddie Hind, alongside younger swimmers, setting the tone for a day defined by team spirit.

Racing got off to a flying start as Amalie Smith, 16, and Aran Bissett, 17, stormed to victory in their 200m Individual Medley events, giving Monson an early advantage. The relays followed, producing some of the day’s most exciting moments. In the Girls 15/16 200m Freestyle Relay, just 0.14 seconds separated the top three teams in a dramatic, nail-biting finish.

Strong performances continued throughout the individual events, with a wave of personal bests as swimmers rose to the occasion in front of an animated crowd.

The meet concluded with the ever-thrilling Squadron Relay, featuring one boy and one girl from each age group swimming a 50m freestyle. With teams free to choose the order, the lead changed hands repeatedly. In a dramatic final leg, Smith powered to the wall first, sealing the win for Monson and bringing the crowd to its feet.

Every swim and every point proved crucial, with Monson securing an impressive third place on 308 points, behind Bromley in first and Basildon and Phoenix in second. Smith and Bissett Monson Make History with Bronze at National Arena Final.

Earlier this month, RTW Monson competed in the National Arena League Plate Cup Final, securing third place after a gripping final relay. The prestigious event, held at Birmingham’s Sandwell Aquatics Centre, saw a squad of 39 swimmers deliver Monson’s best-ever performance in a National Arena League final.

One of the most vibrant fixtures in the swimming calendar, the event began with a colourful parade as all competing clubs circled the pool. Monson were proudly led by team captains Aubry Armada Bennett and Maddie Hind, alongside younger swimmers, setting the tone for a day defined by team spirit.

Racing got off to a flying start as Amalie Smith, 16, and Aran Bissett, 17, stormed to victory in their 200m Individual Medley events, giving Monson an early advantage. The relays followed, producing some of the day’s most exciting moments. In the Girls 15/16 200m Freestyle Relay, just 0.14 seconds separated the top three teams in a dramatic, nail-biting finish.

Strong performances continued throughout the individual events, with a wave of personal bests as swimmers rose to the occasion in front of an animated crowd.

The meet concluded with the ever-thrilling Squadron Relay, featuring one boy and one girl from each age group swimming a 50m freestyle. With teams free to choose the order, the lead changed hands repeatedly. In a dramatic final leg, Smith powered to the wall first, sealing the win for Monson and bringing the crowd to its feet.

Every swim and every point proved crucial, with Monson securing an impressive third place on 308 points, behind Bromley in first and Basildon and Phoenix in second. In addition, Smith and Bissett were awarded for achieving the highest World Aquatics Points for a female and male of all swimmers participating at the event. 

Head Coach Karen Bradbury said: “A huge congratulations to all the swimmers who represented the team, and special thanks to our dedicated coaches and team managers. With this fantastic result, we now look ahead to the British Championships, which also serve as trials for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, as well as the Southeast Regional Championships. It promises to be another thrilling year for Monson.”