Next Gen British Summer Nationals 2026
The University of Birmingham Swimming programme executed an incredible performance at the 2026 Next Gen British Summer Nationals, earning three national medals, four club records, and 15 top-10 finishes against the country’s best age-group swimmers!
The championships were highlighted by Sam Cooke’s amazing gold-medal winning performance in the 200m Butterfly, which saw him rise to seventh in Great Britain and fifth in England for 2026.
Meanwhile, Izabella Okaro showcased her sprinting credentials with silver medals in both the 50m and 100m Freestyle, while the Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay produced a superb performance to finish fourth in Britain, breaking the club record by more than two seconds.
Championship Highlights
An incredible performance gave way to one Gold medal, two Silver medals, 15 top-10 finishes, four club records, three personal bests and a grand sum of 24 events competed.
Overall, the team gave an outstanding performance, consisting of ten performances improved on season bests; four performances within one percent of personal bests; 16 national top-10 finishes; and three national medals won!
Athlete Development Spotlight
When Sam Cooke arrived at the University of Birmingham in October 2025, his 200m Butterfly personal best stood at 2:06.15.
Less than a year later, Sam has developed into one of the country's leading university athletes in the event, being 2026 Next Gen British Summer Nationals Champion, as well as earning eight personal bests achieved during the season and breaking club records eight times! He is ranked seventh in Great Britain and Ranked fifth in England.
Sam's progression is a testament to both his commitment and the strength of Birmingham's performance environment. In just one season he transformed from a talented recruit into a national champion, lowering his lifetime best, repeatedly rewriting the club record, and establishing himself amongst the top butterfly swimmers in the country.
Izabella Okaro was one of Birmingham’s standout performers, securing silver medals in both the 50m and 100m Freestyle, earning her place as the second-fastest swimmer in Britain in both events at the championships.
Her impact extended beyond individual success. Swimming the freestyle anchor leg in the Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay, Izabella produced the second-fastest freestyle split of the final, helping the team surge from sixth to fourth place and secure a new club record.
Strength Across the Squad
Success was spread throughout the team, with Birmingham swimmers reaching finals and securing top-10 placings across sprint, middle-distance and relay events.
The women's relay programme was particularly impressive, with the Women's 4x100m Medley Relay breaking the club record and finishing fourth nationally.
Across the championships, athletes continued to raise performance standards, demonstrating the depth and quality of the Birmingham programme. Men's 4 x 200 Freestyle relay Team of Dan Jackson, Dan Cox, Sam Cook, Dan Fielder beat their season's best to gain ninth position.
These results reflect the strength of the University's performance pathway, which supports athletes to excel at the highest domestic level while balancing their academic studies. From national medal-winning performances to club-record-breaking swims and numerous top-10 finishes, Birmingham continues to establish itself as one of the leading university swimming programmes in the country.
Looking Ahead
The success achieved at the Next Gen British Summer Nationals provides significant momentum for the programme, with the championships marking just the beginning of an exciting period of competition as we go into the English Nationals.
