British record for Harvey!

Last week our Harvey Phillips, headed over to Ponds Ford in Sheffield for the International Para Swimming League and the British Para Swimming Championships.   

Having previously competed in 2020 as a junior swimmer, this time Harvey was swimming as an international athlete and competing against the best in the world. Thirty seven counties were represented at this event, including swimmers from India, Brazil, Argentina and China. So a real international feel.  

Harvey has been on the British swimming radar for some time but a serious injury at the beginning of last year halted his progress. The idea and expectation of attending this meet was to show the people that mattered, Harvey is very much back to full fitness. He was accompanied to this meet by Mark Anstey, his coach, and Darren Phillips, as his poolside chaperone.  

In total Harvey raced in 6 heats, reaching 3 finals, smashing 7 personal bests (PBs) and gaining a new British record! (Summary of races and times below).  

Harvey now trains as part of our main squad so his preparation for this has run alongside the other members of the national squad as they prepare for regional and national championships. Events that Harvey will also attend. It's going to be an exciting year!

• 100m freestyle Heat Time 1:42.61 PB  
• 150 IM, World Final Time 3:22.07 PB  
• 50m Breast stroke Heat Time 1:02.68 PB
• 50m Breaststroke World Final Time 1:02.60 PB  
• 100m Breast stroke Heat Time 2:13.69 PB (British record)   
• 100m Breast stroke World Final Time 2:17.24  
• 50m Fly Heat Time 1:05.68 PB  
• 200m f/c Heat Time 3:33.70 PB  

Report by Mark Anstey

Harvey Phillips with coach Mark Anstey.