Stronger Together: A Conversation with Harry and Alex
Harry and Alex are this year’s Boys’ Vice Captains at Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston Swimming Club. Both have taken different paths into the squad, but share the same commitment to the team and to supporting those around them.
At this year’s County Championships, both swimmers achieved Regional qualifying times in the 50m backstroke — a moment made even more memorable by the genuine excitement each showed for the other’s success.
Interview Questions
1. How did you first get involved with Harwich Swimming Club?
Harry:
I came for more pool hours but it very quickly became my main club as I enjoyed it so much and was made to feel very welcome.
Alex:
I first got involved with Harwich Swimming Club when I started doing swimming lessons at age 7, then I transitioned to club swimming at age 10.
2. What does being Boys’ Vice Captain mean to you?
Harry:
It makes me feel like a valued member of the club.
Alex:
To me being Boys’ Vice Captain means a lot as it’s an opportunity for me to help my teammates and friends.
3. At Counties, you both qualified for Regionals in the 50m backstroke. What was that moment like?
Harry:
After the races we were so excited for each other that neither of us realised we had got our own qualification time.
Alex:
It was a lot. I remember me stepping up to the blocks thinking it was going to be any other race and then I remember looking up after and seeing my time. Me and Harry were so excited to be in the final we didn’t even consider the fact we could have got a regional time. I remember congratulating Harry first because I thought I hadn’t got it and then realising it was an amazing moment.
4. What do you respect most about each other as swimmers?
Harry:
He works very hard in and out of the pool and is also a very good friend.
Alex:
Harry is an amazing perseverer when it comes to swimming, always pushing himself in training and races.
5. How do you support each other in training and at competitions?
Harry:
We keep each other focused before our races, and support each other no matter the result.
Alex:
As we are in the same age group we often do similar races, so between heats we’re always stopping the other from getting nervous. But when we get in the pool it’s all competition to see who gets the better time - normally Harry!
6. What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
Harry:
Everybody is friendly and supportive of each other and we have lots of laughs.
Alex:
The thing I enjoy the most about being part of the team is the feeling of always having someone supporting me and having my back.
7. What advice would you give to younger swimmers at the club?
Harry:
Always try your best in training and always listen to the coaches. If you don’t get the results you want, keep pushing and turning up to training and you will get there.
Alex:
My advice would be to turn up to training as much as you can and to pick one goal to focus on.
8. (Optional) Do you approach races in similar ways, or are you quite different?
Alex:
We both do quite different races as Harry does mid-distance whilst I do sprints. Despite this we often do approach races in similar ways. We both go quite slow for the warm up to save energy and eat and drink steadily throughout the day.
Closing
Harry and Alex show that success in swimming isn’t just about individual results. Their shared achievement and the way they support one another reflect the team spirit that sits at the heart of Harwich Swimming Club.
As Boys’ Vice Captains, they set an example not just through their performances, but through how they represent the club — together.