Bromley’s swim team secured third place in both the boys’ and girls’ events at the 2026 London Youth Games Swimming Competition, held at the London Aquatics Centre on June 27.
The event saw 412 participants from 27 boroughs compete across junior and senior categories in a day of team spirit and athletic achievement.
Joanna Williams, team manager for Bromley, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all of our swimmers.
“It’s really nice to have all the different swimming clubs and schools in the borough come together and work as one team.
“They all had a great time.
“Although a lot of the swimmers are at different clubs, they are still all friends.
“What’s really nice is even though there is a slight rivalry with the swimming clubs, this competition brings the kids all together and just helps them to remember that they’re doing it as part of a team.”
In the boys’ competition, Havering took first place, followed by Bexley in second and Bromley in third.
The girls’ event saw Croydon come out on top, with Havering again taking second and Bromley securing the bronze.
The London Youth Games serves as an early platform for young sporting talent, with past participants like Lewisham’s Alex Yee.
Yee went on to become the most successful Olympic triathlete ever, with two Olympic golds, a silver and a bronze. He was also the first Brit to win both the Olympics and the World Championships in the same year (in 2024).
Ms Williams highlighted the impact of the Games on young athletes beyond competition.
She said: “This LYG Competition actually inspiring kids that were thinking of quitting swimming to stay with swimming.
“There was one swimmer last year that was going to quit, did this LYG competition, loved it, went and then was at nationals again this year, so they’ve continued to swim!
“So I do think the LYG competition inspires something in them, which is so special.”
The London Youth Games Foundation supports more than 10,000 young people across the city each year.
It provides access to opportunities in 37 different sports for all 32 boroughs and the City of London.
The 2026 Aquathlon Competition highlighted the power of sport to build confidence, resilience, and community.
The events are made possible by the efforts of borough organisers, team managers, parents, and volunteers, who help create a positive and memorable experience for all involved.
The London Youth Games continues to strive towards ensuring every young Londoner can take part in inclusive and empowering sport and physical activity.
