Dereham Otters Host Annual Iceni Gala 2024!
Dereham Otters proudly hosted the Iceni Gala 2024 on Saturday and Sunday, September 28th-29th, welcoming eight top clubs from across the county. With an impressive 1,577 swims across numerous events, the pool saw 298 talented swimmers dive in, giving it their all.
Our 44 Dereham Otters showcased phenomenal performances, racking up an incredible 84 medals and smashing a staggering number of personal bests. Their hard work and dedication this season were on full display!
Among the standout performances was Anastasja Wall, who delivered a breathtaking race in the 100m Butterfly, slicing two seconds off her PB with a powerful finish. Meanwhile, William Nutt dominated the 200m Breaststroke, leaving a lasting impression with his incredible swim.
The West Norfolk Swimming Club claimed the Overall Top Club title, with Den Vojevoda securing Top Male/Open Swimmer and Martha More earning Top Female honors. Dereham Otters proudly finished as runners-up in the overall club standings, with Anastasja Wall taking 2nd place in the Top Female category and William Nutt securing a joint 3rd place in the Top Male/Open standings.
Coach’s Reflections
“Our swimmers put in a fantastic effort this weekend, achieving a remarkable 128 personal bests! We walked away with an outstanding 27 Gold, 34 Silver, and 23 Bronze medals—a true testament to their hard work and commitment. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been focusing on endurance and technique, and it was incredible to see those improvements shine through in competition.”
Club Chair’s Thoughts
“This event is always a highlight on the Dereham Otters Gala Calendar, and we were thrilled to welcome so many talented clubs. A huge thank you to all our visiting teams, including Norwich Swan, City of Norwich, West Norfolk, North Norfolk Vikings, Thetford Dolphins, Great Yarmouth, Team Waveney, and St Felix School—your support and participation made this weekend one to remember!”
A special thank you also goes out to the referees, judges, and volunteers—your dedication behind the scenes is what makes these events possible.
With the National Arena League Team Gala and the Diss Otters Gala coming up in October, Dereham Otters are ready to keep the momentum going.
