Dereham Otters Celebrates Outstanding Success at Development Gala

Swimmers from Dereham Otters Swimming Club delivered an exceptional performance at West Norfolk Swimming Club’s Development Gala, held on 18th April 2026 at the St. James Alive Pool in King’s Lynn.

The event proved to be a resounding success, with the club’s swimmers achieving an impressive total of 37 medals from just 40 swims. The medal haul included 6 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze medals, highlighting the strength and depth of talent across the team.

In addition to podium finishes, swimmers also secured strong placements throughout the competition, earning 16 black medals for 4th, 5th and 6th place. This consistent performance across all events showed the club’s growing competitiveness and determination.

Among the standout performances was 13-year-old Evie Wade, who claimed her first competitive gold medal in the 50m breaststroke. She secured victory with a remarkable 4.46-second lead over second place. Evie also earned a bronze medal and a black medal for a 6th place finish, underlining her strong overall performance.

Another impressive performance came from 10-year-old Charlie Margitson, who won three bronze medals in his age group and a black medal for a 4th place finish. He also achieved personal best times in all four of his races, capping off an excellent all-round showing in the pool.

Notably, every swimmer who took part in the gala returned home with at least two medals—an achievement that reflects both individual effort and the supportive team environment fostered by the club.

Coaches and supporters praised the swimmers for their dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship throughout the event. The results mark an encouraging step forward for the club’s development programme and set a positive tone for upcoming competitions.

With such a strong showing, Dereham Otters continues to build momentum and inspire confidence for the future of its swimmers.