Edwards secures European record at Masters National Championships

Joan Edwards set a new European record in the Women’s 800m Freestyle 60/64 category in the final session of the Swim England Masters National Championships.

The Gateshead & Whickham swimmer was strong from the outset and finished just shy of a minute and a half ahead of her nearest competitor with a time of 10:36.35.

Laura Quye, of Hastings, clocked 11:53.62 to take the silver and the bronze went to Catherine Hartle, of Cardiff Masters, after touching in 11:59.09.

Johnson brings home a record

Alec Johnson secured a British record in the Men’s 200m Backstroke 55/59 age group.

The Trafford Metro swimmer touched in 2:25.15, just ahead of Romford Town’s Martin Fenner who clocked 2:27.69.

Third place went to Stephen Bottomley, of Bo Kirklees, who posted a time of 2:33.32.

The 30/34 age group saw another British record fall, this time due to a GB Police member.

John Molyneaux clocked 2:03.66 to finish ahead of his only competition, Christophe Claux, of Out To Swim (2:30.51).

The women’s event also saw a record fall, this time in the 50/54 years age group.

Warrington Metro’s Judy Brown clocked 2:35.72 to finish clear of the rest of the field by almost 20 seconds.

Second place went to Jayne Simpson (Boldon) with a time of 2:54.52 and third went to Kate King of Aylesbury (3:23.26).

In the Mixed 200m Medley team relay, Guildford City added another record to their remit.

The 200+ team made up by Michelle Ware, David Bryant, Michael Hodgson and Lydia Coggins posted a new British record time of 1:59.60.

Leicester Penguins took second place with a time of 2:05.27 while City of Oxford had to settle for third after clocking 2:10.54.