Our Masters swimmers put on an outstanding display at the Masters British National Short Course Championships in Sheffield this weekend, returning home with an impressive haul of medals, Age Group personal bests, and 13 new club records.

The team spirit was electric throughout the meet, with the ladies leading the team from across the age groups. Delivering top-class performances against the country’s best, demonstrating the strength, depth, and resilience within the team. ‘After 44 years, I am so proud to say that I have finally conquered my Everest. At last I am a National GOLD medallist!’ – Jojo.

Congratulations to every swimmer who competed — your hard work and commitment shone through every race. A special thank you goes to Masters Coach, Richard, who helped make the team such a success.

🏅 Individual Highlights

Jo Lee-Pearce (45–49) Another sensational performance weekend, with six new Club Records, two Bronze medals, Silver in the relay AND a National title!

• 🥇 200m Backstroke – Gold in 2:42.18 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 🥉 400m IM – Bronze in 5:54.02 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 🥉 200m IM – Bronze in 2:42.29 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 7th – 100m IM in 1:15.05 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 2 first relay leg Club Records

Ellie O’Keefe (25–29) Outstanding swims across all events, include a Bronze and setting four new Club Records!

• 🥉 100m Butterfly – Bronze in 1:05.55 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 4th – 50m Butterfly in 29.58 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 4th – 200m IM in 2:30.46 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 10th – 100m Freestyle in 1:01.57 (AG PB & Club Record)

Emily Presland (18–24) A brilliant debut at Nationals SC with three new Age group PBs:

• 200m IM in 2:47.20 (AG PB)
• 100m IM in 1:15.76 (AG PB)
• 100m Freestyle in 1:05.63 (AG PB)
• 50m Freestyle in 30.31

Liberty Regan (18–24) attending her first SC Nationals event, narrowly missing a podium spot in the ladies relay.

• 100m Freestyle in 1:08.24
• 50m Freestyle in 30.60 (AG PB)
• 50m Backstroke in 35.95

Sian Macdonald (60–64) with a National title, Silver individual and Silver in the relay.

• 🥇 200m Breaststroke – Gold in 3:25.54
• 🥈 100m Breaststroke – Silver in 1:37.26
• 4th – 50m Breaststroke
• 7th – 200m Freestyle

Dave Pirrie (65–69) with a Silver, two Bronze, Silver in the relay and a Club Record.

• 🥈 100m Breaststroke – Silver in 1:24.84
• 🥉 200m Breaststroke – Bronze in 3:11.66
• 🥉 50m Breaststroke – Bronze in 37.90
• 7th – 100m IM in 1:25.47
• 7th – 50m Freestyle in 31.75 (Age Group PB & Club Record)

Mark Ayres (65–69)  A brilliant weekend of PBs!

• 6th – 100m Breaststroke in 1:35.57
• 7th – 100m Butterfly in 1:29.50 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 8th – 50m Butterfly in 36.13 (AG PB)
• 10th – 50m Freestyle in 33.04 (AG PB)
• 10th – 100m Freestyle in 1:17.19 (AG PB)

Kevin McKenna (55–59)

• 8th – 100m Backstroke in 1:19.37 (AG PB & Club Record)
• 9th – 50m Backstroke in 35.04
• 18th – 100m Freestyle in 1:08.08 (AG PB)
• 50m Freestyle in 30.28

Dan Capozzi (40-44)

• 50m Freestyle – 28.00

Mark Strakosch (60–64) swimming for a Bronze and Silver in the relay.

• 🥉 1500m Freestyle – Bronze in 20:48.58
• 7th – 200m Backstroke
• 7th – 800m Freestyle
• 8th – 400m Freestyle
• 13th – 200m Freestyle

🤝 Relay Success

Team spirit was at its best as Hemel fielded multiple relay squads with fantastic results:

• 240+ Mixed 4x200m Freestyle Relay – 🥈 Silver
  Jo Lee-Pearce, Mark Strakosch, Sian Macdonald, David Pirrie
• 240+ Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay – 4th Place
  Jo Lee-Pearce, Sian Macdonald, Mark Ayres, Kevin McKenna
• 240+ Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay – 4th Place
  Same team, narrowly missing the podium
• 240+ Open 4x50m Medley Relay – 8th Place
  Kevin McKenna, David Pirrie, Mark Ayres, Mark Strakosch
• 72+ Female 4x100m Medley Relay – 4th Place
  Liberty Regan, Sian Macdonald, Ellie O’Keefe, Emily Presland
• 72+ Female 4x200m Freestyle Relay – 7th Place
  Ellie O’Keefe, Liberty Regan, Jo Lee-Pearce, Emily Presland