In a stunning display of athletic prowess, the 2025 Swim England National Winter Championships witnessed the fall of two British national records, with Ed Mildred's performance in the men's 200m butterfly stealing the show. This competition, held at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield, England, from December 11th to 14th, showcased incredible talent in a short course meters (SCM) format. But what makes this even more remarkable? Let's dive in!
The event was a whirlwind of speed and skill, with the men's side dominating the headlines.
First, a quick recap of the key details:
- Event: 2025 Swim England National Winter Championships
- Dates: December 11th – December 14th, 2025
- Location: Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield, England
- Format: SCM (25m)
Tyler Melbourne-Smith of Loughborough set a new British record in the men's 800m freestyle, clocking in at an impressive 7:33.56. This achievement alone was remarkable, but the night had even more in store.
But here's where it gets really exciting: Ed Mildred, at 22 years old, shattered the supersuited British record in the men's 200m butterfly. He didn't just win; he dominated, finishing with a personal best of 1:50.64. This incredible time not only secured him the gold but also rewrote the record books.
Mildred's achievement is even more impressive when you consider the competition. Josh Gammon, the 100m fly victor, took silver with a time of 1:51.17, while Olympic medalist Luke Greenbank secured the bronze with 1:55.33.
And this is the part most people miss: Mildred's time of 1:50.64 eclipsed Joe Robuck's longstanding record of 1:51.27, set back in 2009. Mildred's splits were 25.08/28.33 (53.41)/28.25/28.98, making him the first Briton ever to break the 1:51 barrier in this event. Before this competition, his personal best was 1:53.01 from the 2023 European Short Course Championships, so he significantly improved his time.
What do you think about Mildred's performance? Do you believe the supersuited records were more impressive, or does Mildred's achievement stand out even more? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
