Not Hard to see the potential of Maddie
City swim ace is honoured for making quite a splash
IN THE LATEST IN OUR SERIES ON THE 2018 SPORT NEWCASTLE RISING STARS OF SPORT AWARD WINNERS, GRASSROOTS SPORT PROFILES YOUNG SWIMMER MADELAINE HARDINGHAM
AN up-and-coming swimmer from Newcastle has made a big splash in the pool this past year - including success at the British Championships, writes SAM BLACKLOCK.
Madelaine Hardingham, 14. has picked up a host of honours after taking the plunge at local and national level.
The youngster is a member of Newcastle Swim Team and her epic last 12 months has included glory at the Northumberland and Durham Championships, where she claimed victories in the 50 metres and 100 metres backstroke.
Hardingham has also enjoyed success in the 200 metres butterfly and the 400 metres backstroke.
Those recent victories are the latest in a string of great results for the Newcastle School for Girls pupil, who has aspirations to represent Britain on the international stage.
She said: “I have been swimming for six years and always liked to swim from a young age.
“My sister was the family member who got me into swimming as I went to watch her compete.
“My biggest achievement was three silvers at the National Championships last year.
“That made me feel positive about the future and my aim now would be to make the international squads”.
The GCSE student has also collected second-place finishes in the North-East Championships in both the 200 metres and 400 metres backstroke plus a third place in the 200 metre breaststroke.
Hardingham’s precocious talent was recognised when she became one of 12 young sports stars to receive Sport Newcastle’s prestigious Rising Stars of Sport Award for 2018.
She was nominated by Nicola Watson, Subject Leader of Key Stage Two and Three PE at Newcastle School for Girls.
Watson said: “The reason why we recommended Madelaine for a Rising Star Award is she is an exceptionally dedicated and passionate swimmer.
“On top of her GCSEs she swims 16 hours a week, both morning and night, on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
“She also has to carry out land and gym training for two hours a week.
“However, Madelaine will always find time to represent the school in both local and national competitions.
“As a school we wish her the best of luck in the future.
“We will carry on supporting Madelaine the best we can to ensure she achieves her grades and also her times in swimming.” Hardingham also competed in the Under-13/14 Great Britain Championships, where she finished second in the 200 metres and 400 metres Individual medley races.
She added: “Competing at the British Championships was very intimidating being the youngest swimmer there.
“However, I was well prepared and it was a fantastic experience.”
Watson added: “As a school we could not be more proud of Madelaine and her achievements and we wish her all the luck in the world.
“She is continuing to make excellent progress in swimming and is placing in the top three at county, regional and national level.
“She is also a member of the England Talent programme and we hope she continues to have success.
“We would love to see her gain Commonwealth and Olympic qualification in the future.”