Share your love of swimming - Get info on training to become a swim teacher from just £79

European record for Casson at Masters National Championships

Masters News

Sophie Casson set a new European best as records were shattered during the 1500m races on day one of the Swim England National Masters Championships.

In the final 1500m race of the day, Casson broke the British and European records in the Women’s 30-34 age group.

Carnforth swimmer Casson clocked 17:02.39, an improvement on her personal best by 18 seconds, placing her ahead of her strongest competition, Kathleen Baker (British Army), by more than one minute 22 seconds.

Baker touched in 18:24.77 to take the silver medal, while Sarah Roberts, of Manch Tri, took the bronze after clocking 18:49.49.

Casson said: “It’s great. I’m a bit tired for this afternoon’s session. I wasn’t expecting to go quite that fast this morning – I was really pleased.

“I’ve had a bit of an easier year, so maybe having a little bit of rest actually helps you go faster in the long run. So don’t be scared of a bit of rest.”

Dixon bags British best

Peter Dixon clocked a British record time of 17:19.97 in the Men’s 50-54 years age group.

Dixon put in a strong performance and was in the lead from the front to take the gold medal.

Second place went to GB Police’s Richard Evans in a time of 18:46.34, while Andrew Carr, of East Leeds, grabbed third spot after clocking 18:57.60.

The Men’s 55-59 years age group also saw a British record broken as Robert Barker stormed clear of the field.

The Kingston Royals member finished in 18:13.76, 46 seconds ahead of Mark Jones, Warrington, who recorded 18:59.84.

Third place went to Dale Barker, of Team Anglia, with a with a time of 19:55.59.

Record-breaking Riach

Eddie Riach put in a great swim to secure a British record and finish just shy of one minute 30 seconds ahead of the rest of the field in the Men’s 65-69 age group.

The Milngavie and Bearsden Amateur Swimming Club member clocked 20:00.23, while David Davenport, of Bracknell, finished next in 21:27.72.

Teddington’s Chris Fidler finished third in 22:16.56.

The first race of the day saw Donald Leatherbarrow (Gloucester) break the Men’s 80-84 years British record.

He clocked 27:27.49 to finish ahead of his only opponent, Bill Moore, of East Leeds, who clocked 29:44.74.

Leatherbarrow said: “I’m really pleased. I’m not naturally a long distance swimmer but I’ve got together with a few people when I train that are just that bit faster than me and pull me along and have helped me over the last few months.

“It’s been a great help so I thought I would give it a go this year, not expecting to break a record but to just do a reasonable time. I’m very very pleased – it’s unexpected but I’m delighted.”

Top