Brighton College Dubai has proudly announced a major sporting milestone, as Year 7 pupil and sports scholar Aya Al Dameh set a new UAE national record in the 50m Breaststroke. The achievement took place during the Dubai International Aquatics Championship in April 2025, where Aya recorded a time of 00:36.51 in the Girls 12 Years category—officially marking her as the fastest swimmer in her age group in the UAE for this event.
International Wins for Brighton College Dubai Student at World School Games
Aya continued her winning streak at the 2025 World School Games (WSG) Swim Championships in London, held on May 11–12. Competing against over 500 elite student athletes from global schools, she represented Brighton College Dubai and secured a total of three medals:
- 🥉 Bronze in 100m Butterfly
- 🥇 Gold in U13 Girls 50m Breaststroke
- 🥇 Gold in U13 Girls 100m Breaststroke
Her performance stood out as one of the highlights of the event, positioning Brighton College Dubai among the top contenders in international school swimming.
Team Brighton Shines in London
Brighton College Dubai’s swim squad delivered a phenomenal performance, recording 57 personal best times across the two-day meet. Notable results included:
- Annie Gardiner: Bronze in U15 Girls 100m Freestyle
- Top 10 finishes for 50% of the team
- 4th place relay finishes in U11 Girls and U15 Girls Medley events
Top Rankings
Despite competing a full year above their age group, 50% of Brighton College Dubai students placed in the top 10 of their events. This accomplishment is even more notable given the small size of the squad and the high calibre of global competition.
Sarah Harrod, Director of Sport and Co-Curricular Coordinator, said:
“This year’s swim squad truly rose to the occasion. To perform at such a high level in older age categories, with many first-time competitors, is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and team spirit. Aya’s national record is the cherry on top of what has been a breakthrough year for swimming at Brighton College Dubai.”
A New Benchmark for Student Sport at Brighton College
The student who set the UAE national swim record continues to inspire her peers, reflecting the school’s rising reputation for sporting excellence. The school boasts a world-class 25-metre swimming pool and expert coaching staff, offering top-tier training and facilities for aspiring athletes.
The school remains committed to academic and athletic achievement, supporting students in reaching their full potential both in the classroom and on the world stage.
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Further Reading:
- Brighton College Dubai Celebrates Exceptional Pupil Achievements with Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards
- Brighton College Dubai Inspires Young Changemakers with Sustainability Education
- Brighton College Dubai’s Superheroes Unite for Run for a Reason 2025, Supporting Wellness on Wheels
- Brighton College Dubai Swings into 2025 with Stellar Wins at Second Junior Golf Open
- Brighton College Dubai Inspires with First Official TEDxYouth Event “Bright Ideas for a Bright Future”