The Aquatics GB Swimming Championships is the highest level domestic meet in British swimming. Qualification is not given - it is earned through consistent performance, hard training and the ability to deliver when it counts.
This week, Derwentside and Gateshead Swim Team will have EIGHT fantastic athletes on that start list.
D&G Swim Team does not produce GB-level swimmers by accident. It takes a coaching environment that demands more, athletes who respond to that demand, and a culture where the standard is set by what you do in training - not what you say you want to achieve. The results follow from that. They always do.
Having multiple athletes qualify for the same championship meet is not a coincidence. It reflects where this club is heading and the work that has gone into getting here. We are proud of that - not in a loud way, but in the way that matters: on the start list, in the water, on the clock.
So, lets introduce our 2026 Champs swimmers.
Anna Finlay
Anna steps into her first British Championships as a senior swimmer. Lining up against the country's best breaststrokers, this is the next stage in her development in the senior ranks and a significant one. The competition will be fierce, and that is exactly the environment she enjoys.
EVENTS: 50, 100 & 200 BREAST
Talia Staines
A freestyle specialist who knows what it takes to compete at this level. Talia reached the 400m Freestyle B Final at last year's Championships - a benchmark she will be looking to build on across all her races this week.
EVENTS 400, 800 & 1500 FREE
Tia Johnson
A rising star in Para swimming, Tia was named D&G Female Swimmer of the Year for the 2024/25 season - recognition that reflected a year of real progress and performance. This week she steps up to her first British Championships, and with it comes a genuine opportunity to make her mark at the highest level of domestic competition.
EVENTS: 100 BACKSTROKE, 50 & 100 FREESTYLE & 200 IM
Alice Forrest
Alice returns to the British Championships with a full programme of events ahead of her. Having gained valuable experience at this level last year, she knows what to expect and arrives ready to use it. Competing against the best in the country, this week is about building on that foundation and showing what she is capable of when it matters most.
EVENTS: 200 BUTTERFLY, 200, 400, 800 & 1500 FREESTYLE 200 & 400M IM
Peter McGrother
Peter returns to London for his second British Championships since joining D&G. A versatile swimmer, strong across all four strokes, Peter will be looking to build on that debut this week with the 400 Individual Medley the race to watch from him.
EVENTS: 400 IM
Ben Beale
Ben arrives at this year's Championships with momentum behind him. Last year he made a Junior FINA final and qualified for the European Youth Olympic Festival - results that set a clear benchmark. He will be looking to match that level and push beyond it this week.
EVENTS: 400IM & 200 FLY
Emily Maxwell
This will be Emily's third British Championships - and her very first as a senior. That experience counts, because she arrives knowing what the meet demands, competing across a range of events and ready to show what she is capable of at this level.
EVENTS: 50&100 BUTTERFLY, 100, 200 & 400 FREESTYLE, 200M IM.
Lewis Maxwell
Lewis has competed in many British Championships and so brings a wealth of experience to the pool this week. The focus now is on putting that experience to work - executing well across his races and delivering the performances his preparation has built towards.
EVENTS: 50, 100 Fly, 50, 100, 200 Back, 200, 400 IM