Holly Gardiner , 15, and her brother Archie, 10, avoided any family arguments by bringing home three medals apiece on behalf of their LVS Ascot school from the London Aquatics Centre, scene of the London 2012 Olympic swimming event. Holly won Gold in the freestyle and medley relays and took Silver in the individual breaststroke. Archie brought home a Silver medal for the freestyle relay and Bronze medals for the medley relay and individual freestyle.

Holly and Archie both train several times a week in the LVS Ascot pool, allowing them to reach new heights and qualify for their unforgettable day in London. Archie was able to share his success with friend and junior school classmate Jansen Barralet from Ascot as they formed part of the same relay teams.  As they both showed off their medals at the school’s indoor swimming pool Archie said: “I was really pleased that my sister won at the swimming finals and was cheering her on. She is faster than me at the moment but I have five years to catch her up!”

Another Surrey student, 17 year old Matthew Ritchie from Staines, was also in the 10-strong team sent by leading independent day and boarding school LVS Ascot, and he brought home two medals having finished runner up in the individual freestyle and the medley relay.

With swimming instruction forming an essential part of key stage 1 or 2 national curriculum, LVS Ascot’s indoor pool provides all students with the opportunity to not just become confident, strong swimmers but also to excel at the sport – borne out by the team success in London.

LVS Ascot PE Teacher Anna Murawska said: “It was amazing to see the pupils achieve medals at such an awesome venue in recognition of all their commitment and hours of training in the LVS Ascot pool.  With all our students seeing the success achieved in London and having access to the pool themselves, hopefully even more of them will be able to qualify for the finals next year”.