Colchester Phoenix Amateur Swimming Club

17/11/2025

The final results are in for the DSS British Championships 2025!

Congratulations to Mark, Holly and Nikos - who has won his first Age Group medal at a national level. We are so proud of you all 🎉🥰😍

Down Syndrome Swimming GB

15/11/2025

Half way through day 1 of the Down Syndrome Swimming British Championships 2025 and the results (and the medals) are coming in, well done Holly and Mark

Nikos swam a fantastic 50m butterfly this morning coming in 6th in the very tough seniors (17-25) category.

Well done to you all! Keep on going - we’ll keep everyone updated on your journey

09/11/2025

Next weekend three of our team are heading to Crawley for the British Down Syndrome Championships.

Congratulations to Mark (again😅) Holly and Nikos - we are very proud of you all. Swimming at National level shows how hard you’ve all worked. Have fun and swim hard 🏊🏊‍♀️

We will keep you all updated on their progress here!

06/11/2025

This week’s Throwback Thursday had to be dedicated to the European Champion, Mark Holmes who is pictured here relaxing to music on the way to one of his first international meets in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Older/former members will remember Mark singing his heart out to pop music on the coach whether we enjoyed it or not 🤣🥰

Mark will be bringing his medals to Saturday’s squad session to show us all. We can’t wait!

On a separate note, can the Para-squad please bring all their recently won medals too? Kristina would like to take a group photo and individual pictures for the notice board and website.

01/11/2025

Beautiful write up about Mark from Colchester City Council

31/10/2025

Another update from Portugal!

Mark has not only added another bronze to his collection after coming third in the 200m Backstroke, after being selected for the 4x50m medley relay this evening his team swam to second place to secure a stunning silver.

Mark now has a full set to take home 🤩🥇🥈🥉🥉

Congratulations Mark, what a successful week you’ve had 😍

29/10/2025

It is our pleasure to introduce the 2025 Down Syndrome European Champion for the 100m backstroke…Mark Holmes!

He has not only won gold this evening but has broken the Masters 2 (his age group) record, doing so in style as he was third up until his last turn. Talk about a nail biting race!

Tomorrow is a rest day for Mark, but Friday brings the gruelling 200m backstroke.

Well done Mark, your coaches and teammates are so proud of you. It’s been a joy to follow your journey this week.

Gold gold gold gold gold gold 🏅🏅🏅🥇🥇🥇🥇🏅🏅🏅🏅🥇

He’s only gone and done it . Huge congratulations to the best ever 42 old Down Syndrome Swimmer . Fantastic achievement from a true T21 legend.

29/10/2025

A reminder that there is no swimming this coming Saturday 1st November 🎃

29/10/2025

Day 3 of the European Down Syndrome Championships in Portugal and Mark has qualified 2nd fastest for tonight’s final in the 100m Backstroke.

Good luck Mark, we are all rooting for you!

Here is Mark on Monday after coming third in the 50m Backstroke. What a moment 😍🎉

27/10/2025

He’s only gone and won a bronze medal! What a swim 🏊‍♂️ What a legend!

Well done Mark on your latest European medal 🥉

50m M/O backstroke T21 saw Zac Lacey at the top of the podium 🏆🥇 and European Champion with Mark Holmes in the 🥉 position. A hard fought race , maxing out those underwaters.
Well done 👏 👏

27/10/2025

Rounding off our busy yet successful month in the pool, the legend that is Mark Holmes was selected as the GB Team flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the European Down Syndrome Championships 2025 in Portugal.

He has also qualified for tonight’s final in the 50m. Good luck Mark, swim fast - we are so proud of you!

26/10/2025

More medals for Olly and Kristina at the last day of the Go Cardless Swim England National Masters Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

Olly swam a personal best in the 50m Freestyle, winning a silver medal in the process. 🥈

Kristina also swam a personal best in the 50m Freestyle and received a bronze medal for her efforts. She then won a silver medal in the 100m Breaststroke. 🥉🥈

Congratulations to you both, some fantastic results at National level in an iconic pool! 🏊