Raha International School began their swimming season on a high, by making a big splash last week with two podium finishes.

The institution hosted the first Abu Dhabi International Schools Sports Association (ADISSA) Primary gala where they finished runners-up behind Al Muna in four-team tournament.

But the Abu Dhabi-based school went one step further 24 hours later by topping the Secondary competition.

Among those to impress were Natalie Heinser-Berke. Competing in the 16+ girls’ age group, she won a rich haul of medals, winning the 200m individual medley, 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly.

Chayton Small achieved the same feat by winning the 50m freestyle in the U-12 category, while Jamie
Ordovas triumphed in the boys’ race in the same event.

Wesely Vanderputten followed suit by claiming gold in the U-12 boys’ 50m backstroke.

There was more reason for the school to celebrate with their U-14 boys’ relay teams winning both the medley and freestyle in the 200m distance.

Sean Brett, coach of Arabian Swim Academy, lauded the efforts of the Raha swimmers.

“This has laid a great platform for the season ahead, giving the swimmers confidence and proving that their hard work and dedication has paid off,” he said.