Kingfishers stand out at Developments

An incredible haul of medals and personal best times were achieved by Kingsbridge’s swimmers in June’s Devon Development Gala.

The competition was for swimmers in Devon who were looking for an introduction to competitive swimming. Those who achieved regional or national qualification times could not enter in their best events.

This left top Kingfisher Jack Sagar unable to swim the 100 Breaststroke. His qualification to swim at regional level was celebrated by all at the club, who have been mightily impressed by his progress over the season. Jack still managed to impress in other events, winning gold with a huge PB of 1:07 for the 100 Butterfly.

Kingsbridge’s highest points scorer of the meet was 12-year-old Lucas Quiggin, who across the whole meet won four golds, seven silvers and one bronze medal on his own, securing a number of county qualification times in the process. Lucas will now be hoping to join Jack in making the step up to regional level next year.

Another young swimmer who greatly impressed was 11-year-old Chloe Morris. Her determination to succeed was astounding, with other coaches taking note of her ability as she stormed to six golds, four silvers and one bronze.

Chloe almost became the first Kingfisher in over three years to break a club record in the 100 Individual Medley, swimming one length of every stroke in only 1:22. She is keen to enter the record books soon, as well as aiming to qualify for regionals next year.

Lucas and Chloe’s talents in all swimming strokes have now been recognised beyond Kingsbridge, having gained selection for a county training camp.

Ethan Clack’s progress has been remarkable too, symbolic of the rise of Kingfishers as a returning force in Devon swimming. He was untouchable in the 50, 100 and 200 Breaststroke events, putting himself on the brink of regional qualifying next year.

Club captains Aaron Lansdale and Jess Stewart also claimed gold at the meet. Jess secured a huge forty second PB in the 1500m Freestyle to win the 17-and-over category, while Aaron’s two golds came in the 100m Freestyle and 100m Individual Medley.

Though swimming is not always about the medals. Kingfishers is once again a growing club, with many children who attended local swim schools now training with the squad on Thursday nights. Some of those swimmers made their competitive debuts at this event. 

Oslo Bastin, Lexie Gomm and Danny Clack secured 4th place finishes, while Fabiano Noto and Faye Morris made great progress in reducing their times. Completing a wonderful team display, sisters Sophie and Gracie White managed personal bests in every event they finished. 

With Kingfishers now in their 25th anniversary year as a club, head coach Karen Dorey can be proud of her efforts in rebuilding the team from near collapse after the covid pandemic. Not only was the club saved, it is thriving once more, and remains on the lookout for more eager swimmers to be part of the next generation of county, regional and national qualifiers.

Interested newcomers are encouraged to get in touch with club chairman Adam Stewart via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Swimmers over the age of eighteen can attend sessions on Friday evenings, from 6:30pm to 8pm at Quayside Leisure Centre, joining a growing number of adults who seek to swim for fun, as well as possibly competing themselves in the future.

Report from Conor Morgan