ALUMNI

SWIMMING

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

In general, the DC Swimming Squad has consistently competed at a high level, with both the A and B teams competing in the 1st Division DASSA Swimming League. While there are endless feats associated with this esteemed squad – such as being DASSA Championships Winners, DASSA Division 1 Champions, and COBIS Swimming Champions – we'd say the biggest sporting achievement for the Swim ming Team has been winning the 'Best Mixed Sports Team' in the UAE in 2017, since this national recognition is emblematic of the many records we DC swimmers hold and the many events we fiercely compete in. It is also worth mentioning that the DC swimming team has won the DASSA Swim League for five consecutive years.

Most memorable moments

Competing in the DASSA Swimming Finals in the Hamdan Sports Complex remains one of our fondest memories: the sheer size of the swimming pool and the magnitude of the event itself is truly unforgettable. However, that doesn't mean that the smaller galas weren't memorable – travelling in the bus together and collaborating to organise races gave our squad an opportunity to synergise, and enjoy spending time at galas with our teammates.

Most inspirational team members and why

Geesue Abrichami was memorable as a Swimming Captain because she showed relentless commitment to this role by going to the lengths of chasing students to encourage their participation in galas. Her dedication and perseverance are values with which we would have liked to approach our leadership roles this academic year. Another inspirational team member is Tara Malhotra, who has been extremely passionate about swimming since day one. Regardless of the circumstances, she would

Kian Kazranian Swimming Captain 2020/21

always be present and put everything into her races, which is highly respectable given how many galas she's partaken in over these several years. Finally, there's Shrish Janarthanan, whom Kian has swum with since primary school. His optimistic and high-spirited approach to swimming galas has always kept us and the squad entertained and cheerful. Other inspirational swimmers from the past have been Gabriella Helayel, who swam for her country at World Juniors in 2019, Cameron Mathews, Joe Page, Maria Iorini and Finn Page, who are all continuing their swimming careers at Ivy League Universities, and Anthony Whittall, who at 15 years old, is at the top of British rankings for several of his events, and in the top 5 of the Open Age Group in Great Britain for 200 fly. All these swimmers have shown dedication to their sport, allowing them to achieve amazing things.

Advice for future teams at DC

My main piece of advice for future teams at DC would be to not take these competitions for granted. Looking back over these past seven years, competing in swimming galas are among my favourite memories at Dubai College, so treat these events with the respect they deserve. Our school has consistently been triumphant in swimming with numerous records and feats, therefore you will have big shoes to fill and many standards to uphold, which means that you must approach this key branch of DC with passion and determination. Representing Dubai College in the swimming team is an honour, so participate in every event with dignity and good sportsmanship. Enjoy every moment with your teammates, these turn into great memories. It is the best time you'll have at school, whether you win or lose.

Kian Kazranian, 12SFO Natasha Whittall, 13CMM

Natasha Whittall Swimming Captain 2020/21