Dubai student breaks UAE record, bags double gold at World School Games Swim Championships in UK

Dubai: A young student from Brighton College Dubai has made waves on the international stage, winning double gold at the World School Games (WSG) Swim Championships in the UK.

Year 7 pupil and sports scholar Aya Al Dameh delivered a standout performance at the prestigious event held in London from May 11 to 12, the school announced on Thursday.

The competition brought together over 500 athletes from schools worldwide, competing across U11, U13, and U15 categories.

Twelve-year-old Aya took gold in both the U13 Girls 50m and 100m Breaststroke events and secured a bronze medal in the 100m Butterfly, a major achievement in one of the most competitive school swim meets globally.

This international triumph follows Aya’s recent record-breaking performance on home ground. In April, she became the fastest swimmer in her age group in the UAE after setting a new national record in the 50m Breaststroke at the Dubai International Aquatics Championship. Her time of 00:36.51 in the Girls 12 Years category established her as a rising star in the region’s swimming scene.

Aya’s performance led a strong showing from the Brighton College Dubai swim team, who recorded 57 personal bests over the two-day championship.

Aya's teammate Annie Gardiner also reached the podium, earning bronze in the U15 Girls 100m Freestyle. The school said its relay teams narrowly missed out on medals with three 4th-place finishes across various age groups.

"Remarkably, 50% of the Brighton College Dubai team placed in the top 10 of their respective events," the school said in a statement, noting that every swimmer competed a full year above their age group, a significant challenge they met with determination.

Sarah Harrod, Director of Sport and Co-Curricular Coordinator at Brighton College Dubai, praised the students’ performance: “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."

She added that the school’s growing success in swimming is underpinned by its world-class 25-metre pool and dedicated coaching staff, who play a key role in nurturing emerging talent.