Yearsley Pool Swimmer competing in the Commonwealth Games 2022

A junior swimmer who trains with her club; York City Baths Club, at Yearsley Swimming Pool is competing at the Commonwealth Games representing her Grandmother’s country. Poppy Davis-Coyle, 14, will be representing St Helena in the Commonwealth Games, competing in the 200 and 400 Freestyle, 100 and 200 Backstroke, and 100 Butterfly.

“I’m really excited to go to the Commonwealth Games and it’s a great opportunity to swim with higher level athletes. I felt really excited when I was selected and felt a great amount of joy  and pride to know all the hard work and time training has paid off” (Poppy)

Poppy started swimming when she was 3 years old and her Mum said “Poppy has always loved the water.  She got her 400m badge at 4 years old and this is still her favourite event 10 years later!” Poppy originally started swimming to learn a life skill but found a love for the sport and joined YCBC when she was 8. She swiftly progressed through the club and into the development training squad. Her coach Josh said “This will be an amazing experience for Poppy as she will have the opportunity to race alongside some of the world’s best athletes. Poppy has prepared well and is very excited to join her St Helena team mates” .

Poppy was invited down to Cheltenham to her team’s pre Games training camp, but she made the decision to avoid disruption to school and training by staying in York and visiting the team on weekends. She is due to join her team mates this weekend and when asked how she feels about representing St Helena, she said “It’s a great island that has lots of history and the people are so friendly. My Dad’s Mum was born on the island and I still have family living there”.

Poppy recommends swimming to anyone because “it’s a very enjoyable sport. You can have a steady session or push yourself further if you feel like it; it’s a flexible sport.   It’s important that everyone learns to swim for their own safety but it’s also a fun way of staying fit and healthy too.”

If you are interested in swimming visit  https://www.better.org.uk/what-we-offer/activities/swimming  for more information.