Animals of 2024/2025: Rise!

Doncaster Dartes

We have a tradition at Dartes to expose our young athletes to all the events on the Olympic pool programme. That includes the toughest events of all (1500m/800m Freestyle, 400m IM, and 200m Butterfly). We believe it's an important part of their swimming development and we call those who take part: The Animal Squad. Most seasons witness at least one meet where Dartes' younger swimmers dominate one of those Animal events. It's usually a level 3 meet where most of the squad can get involved, and it's usually the 200m Butterfly or 400m IM. Historically it's been one of the KuHull meets, for the 2045/2025 season though, we started early at Beverley Barracudas County Qualifiers all the way back in September for our athletes to show their Animal credentials starting with the 400m IM.

Surprisingly, the one that's lagging behind is arguably the easiest of the four. Our 200m Butterfly and 400m IM tally is currently behind the previous year. Expect that number to rise next season, but will you be one of those brave enough to dive in and muscle your way through it?

Season 200m Fly 400m IM 800m Free 1500m Free
2024/2025 14 24 24 16
2023/2024 20 27 23 11
2019/2020 24 39 19 13
2018/2019 24 36 12 8
2017/2018 24 27 13 5
2016/2017 28 26 13 7
2015/2016 21 23 16 6
2014/2015 29 31 20 7
2013/2014 35 41 20 12
2012/2013 38 47 31 14
2011/2012 33 33 20 12
2010/2011 25 25 6 8
2009/10 30 16 14* 4*
2008/09 16 *boys & girls in both
2007/08 21  
2006/07 17  
2005/06 15  
2004/05 3  
2003/04 3  
2002/03 2  
2001/02 3  
2000/01 2  
1999/00 8  

Of course, all of that is fantastic news. However, there is a select bunch of Animals that stand out from the growling crowd. Four extremely tough athletes have braved all four of the Animal events. A huge round of applause to Kiera Binns, Eva Longley, Charlie Kershaw and Caspar Burdon. Notching up all four in the same season is an achievement in itself, but a special mention goes to Eva Longley (Super Noodle), doing all four events (and the first to do so!) before Christmas is something special!

If you haven't already contributed, all you have to do is complete one of the qualifying events listed above. That's it - just finish the race (legally of course). So what are you waiting for, get your claws sharpened and join in the hunt!