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Masterful display by swimmers at inaugural Grantham gala

Top Masters swimmers from across the country showed the youngsters how it’s done at Grantham Swimming Club’s first ever open Grantham Masters Meet.

As well as a very strong contingent from Lincolnshire, Nottingham and Leicestershire clubs, men and women aged between 18 and 70 travelled to the Meres Leisure Centre from as far away as Brighton, Southport, Redditch, Camden and Kirklees to take part.

ASA Masters Officer Sharon Lock, who competed for Melton Swimming Club, said: “There were some swimmers of a very high standard there, who may have been using it as a warm up for international competitions, but these sorts of events are also great for entry level swimmers, those who are new to masters swimming or returning after a break.

“It was low key and friendly with short races – ideal to find out what their times are and giving them an idea of where they are!

“From a swimmer’s point of view it was a really smooth, well organised meet we’d love to see made a regular fixture in the Masters’ calendar.”

The oldest entrant was 70-year old William Sampson who was competing for the first time since the 1970s and tackled five events including 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly.

Swimmers willing to travel far to compete

Grantham Swimming Club secretary Zoe Lewis said: “It was great to see so many swimmers willing to travel from so far away to compete in our pool here at the Meres.

“We’re lucky to have such great facilities here, including a pool with a movable floor, electronic timing and scoreboard and top-of-the range diving blocks. We hope the swimmers enjoyed the experience.”

Spot prizes were given out at random and there were awards for the top male and top female in each age groups, which included hats sponsored by Grantham Masters swimmer Marc Turnbull of GNAT UK.

Congratulations goes to to City of Lincoln Pentaqua who were awarded the top club award (pictured above).

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