Twenty One Masters from Hemel Hempstead Swimming Club took part in the Hertfordshire ASA Masters Swimming Championships on Saturday 22nd June at Borehamwood. The swimmers ranged in age from 18 to 57 years. Overall they finished runners up in the team competition being their highest placing for many years.
One of the youngest swimmers Sam Pigott (18) led the way taking home 5 gold medals winning all the individual events he entered as well as being part of the mens 4 x 25 freestyle team with a total age of over 165 years, interestingly Sam’s Dad Mike was also a member of the winning relay team so a great family effort.
Hemel Hempstead had a number of gold medal winners on the night with another of our younger swimmers Kira Doyle (18) taking home 3 gold medals, these included two wins in the ladies 4 x 50 Freestyle relay and ladies 4 x 50 medley relay for a total age of 72 years and over where she was supported by Melissa Brandon, Sophie Ayres and Rachel Barber. Rachel (25) also brought home a total of three golds winning her individual 50m Backstroke as well.
One of our older swimmers Dave Pirrie (57) well known at the club for coaching our very young swimmers brought home three golds winning the 50m Breaststroke and 100m individual medley as well as being a member of the winning freestyle relay.
The other swimmers competing supported the team well with a number of 2nd and 3rd places providing valuable points to the overall team score. These included Bev McKenna, Bill Woodhouse, James McFarlane, Kevin McKenna, Mark Ayres and Sophie Ayres.
The gala culminated in some very exciting relays with Hemel Hempstead fielding a total of 13 Relay Teams – in one event the mixed medley relay total age 165+ (2 men and 2 women) we had four teams competing which gave for some exciting club racing.
The other Masters competing were Sophie Moore, Tracey Ayres, Philip Isles, Matthew Rafiq-Craske, Margot Wood, Liz Sherriff, Ralph Sherriff and Claudia Cruttwell.
Special mention should also go to our club officials who turned out to help with the event Carryl Baughan, Vickie Brandon, Vic Coombs and Ian Sewell.
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