Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeSCHOOLSDouble IAPS gold for St Michael’s pupil Jake Hudson

Double IAPS gold for St Michael’s pupil Jake Hudson

St Michael’s Prep School, Otford, is celebrating this week after Year 8 pupil, Jake Hudson, took gold in two Independent Association of Prep Schools sporting events at the weekend, the National Swimming Finals and the Triathlon.

Jake on the podium receiving his Gold medal

Saturday saw him beat his own personal best with a 50m Breaststroke time of 32.72 seconds at the fourth IAPS National Swimming Finals at the London Aquatic Centre.  Ranked fastest from the start, the pressure was on, but Jake arrived with his customary look of determination and produced a personal best in the heats of 32.80 secs to retain his position for the final.  A magnificent start to the final brought him out of the water in first place with the next swimmer on his shoulder.

Following the turn, his opponent was closing in on him, but over the next 25m Jake’s power and strength increased the distance enough to earn him a gold medal in yet another personal best time of 32.72secs.  Needless to say, he jumped out the pool with his usual smile of ‘mission accomplished’- another gold for St Michael’s. Well done for an outstanding swim.

Fresh from his victory at the IAPS swimming, Jake lined up for the Year 8 race in the 4th IAPS Triathlon competition.  After competing in this event since it began in 2015 he knew what to expect and had hopes of reaching the podium after a bronze medal position in the Year 7 race last year.

Jake accompanied by his Swimming Coach, Helen Dudman

He was focused and ready to race as he blasted off in the pool, clocking a swim time of 2 mins 30 secs over 200m, it was the fastest swim of the day.  Jake sprinted out to transition knowing that every second counts. The 4km course consists of four laps and his training since last year clearly paid off.  He looked strong and was clearly determined.

After another good transition he only had the run to go. With an individual staggered start, you don’t know where you are in the field, so the only option is to give it your all, and that’s exactly what Jake did.  When he crossed the finish line after 22 mins 21 secs it was clear to see that he had pushed himself to his absolute limits and there was a short wait for the final competitors to come through before we could be sure, he had won!  Jake won the Year 8 race and the overall trophy with his time and should feel incredibly proud!

Mrs Bridges, Deputy Head of St Michael’s, said “It has been a pleasure to watch him progress in the competition over the last four years and I have no doubt that many of the St Michael’s triathletes will be inspired by his hard work and success for years to come!”

RELATED ARTICLES

WEEKLY STATS REPORT

Most Popular