An earlier start to Sports Day 2025 brought with it some welcome relief from the punishing heat of a scorching week. In typical RGS fashion, athletes from across the School applied themselves with commitment and endeavour, battling for every House point available, whilst those spectating made their support known in spurring on their housemates. A strong headwind on the home strait limited the chances of a record-tumbling day for sprinters on the track; however, a number of School records did still fall, reflecting the students’ hard work and the Sports Department’s expertise across the season.
Despite the heat and headwind, several records were broken
In the High Jump, Huxley Tooze set a new First Form benchmark of 1m 40cm, whilst at Fourth Form, Eshan Toase equalled the record with a stunning 1m 76cm. Max Merriman demonstrated his phenomenal versatility as an athlete by breaking the Fourth Form Discus record with a throw of 28.19m. Despite the challenging wind, the Fourth Form 4 x 400m relay record was surpassed by two House teams no less! Beckingham ran a full 2 seconds quicker than the previous record but were outdone by an electric Hamonde quartet who set a new time of 3m 55s.
Beckingham House wins the closely-contested Sports Day Shield
The palpable excitement surrounding the track was a testament to the event’s significance. The quick thinking and numerical expertise of Mr. Dunscombe and Dr. Jackson were put to the test as they calculated the final standings. While all Houses’ efforts were worthy of lifting the historic Sports Day shield, in reverse order, the final standings were: Nettles (594), Valpy (602), Powell (637), Austen (641), Hamonde (643), and Beckingham (667).
A jubilant Mr. Rossiter and Dr. Varney celebrated their back-to-back victories arm in arm as the newly appointed House Captain, Luke Miranda, collected the shield from Dr. Cox. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers and applause, celebrating not just the winners but the collective spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that defined the day.
The importance of perseverance, teamwork, and the RGS spirit.
The success of Sports Day 2025 was a reflection of the dedication and hard work of both the athletes and the staff. It highlighted the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and the RGS spirit. The event will be remembered not only for the records broken and the victories achieved but also for the sense of unity and pride it fostered among the students and staff; a day where every participant, whether competing or supporting was intergral to the event’s success.
