Dual Golds and Breakthroughs: Thrilling Finish to 2025 British Swimming Championships

Photo by Taka

On the evening of April 20, the 2025 British Swimming Championships reached a thrilling climax in Cregganwell. The men’s events stole the spotlight, packed with records, surprises, and emotion.

The highlight was the men’s 200m freestyle, where Duncan Scott and James Guy delivered a dramatic final sprint, touching the wall together for a shared gold. “I’ve never shared a title before!” Guy said. The two, close friends as well as rivals, live, train, and eat together. “That 90-second battle is what makes swimming so special.” Scott, who claimed his third gold of the week, called it “the perfect adrenaline-filled finish.”

In the 200m backstroke, Oliver Morgan dominated once again, clocking 1:55.55, a new personal best and a qualifying time for the Singapore World Championships. Outpacing Olympic medallist Luke Greenbank, Morgan completed a clean sweep in all three backstroke events. “I felt dizzy and my legs were burning, but I wanted to try something new—and it paid off.”

In the multi-class 200m freestyle, Paralympic champion Will Ellard cruised to gold, smashing the S14 qualifying mark for Singapore. Despite saying he “didn’t go all out,” his time was stunning. After the race, he signed autographs and said, “When someone throws down a shirt for you to sign, that’s the greatest recognition for a para athlete.”

The women’s events were equally thrilling. Angharad Evans won two golds and broke the British record in the 100m breaststroke. All podium finishers in the para breaststroke met the Worlds standard. In the 800m and 100m freestyle, Freya Anderson edged Eva Okaro by just 0.01 seconds, prompting gasps from the crowd.

With qualification times shattered and stars both new and experienced shining bright, the 2025 British Championships closed on a high. Team GB’s depth in freestyle, backstroke, and para events now sets the stage for a powerful showing at the upcoming World Championships in Singapore.