Southampton Masters strike again in Sheffield

Rare that Ponds Forge hosts a National Masters competition twice in a year, but Sheffield shined once more post a successful British Long Course Championships back in June to bring the buzz of Short Course back to the calendar - along with some of the finest Senior and Masters performances the World's ever seen (literally!) 

Such is the fierceness of the competition standard now at the annual Swim England event that Phase One qualifying times can see top ranking swimmers nudged out...and the mentality of 'just show up and you'll likely medal' has long gone, even for physically demanding races such as the 400m IM and 200m Butterfly. 2023 saw both Individual and Relay global records tumble, from Spencer's Amanda Heath at a prime 66 years of age smashing the 100m Breaststroke to a stunning quartet swim from local County Club Basingstoke Bluefins over the 4 x 200m Freestyle (160yrs+) - and if anyone believes 200m Butterfly is tough, try doing it at 85 years old and asking Eastbourne SC veteran David Cummings how he felt afterwards!

City of Southampton enjoyed great success in 2022, but knew to eclipse a near-record medal haul faced with apex competition from all four home nations some exceptional performances would be required. Usually our tally of metal can be increased through relays, but the rest of Britain clearly had the same thought as most spaces sold-out within minutes of entries opening (will need to get up very early next year once the website goes live if we want a slot!)...so solo swims would need to suffice. Kieran Beckett (18-24yrs) had a title to defend in his 50m Butterfly (00.24.72), and thankfully got the better of his peers once again to claim a first-day Gold, just moments after Fiona Carroll (30-34yrs) once again proved supreme in the 1500m FC (18.51.89) to double up on her Long Course National title. Both Carroll and Beckett would go on over the weekend to secure more podium spots, Beckett sneeking a second Gold over the 100m Butterfly (00.56.90) together with Silver in the 50m FC (00.22.93)  - Carroll adding Bronze in her 400m FC (04.49.80). 

Melissa Dolby (25-29yrs) did snatch a medal in 2022, but was the unfortunate fourth-place finisher in many of her sprint events. The 28 year-old now determined to climb, notched a lifetime best in her 100m FC (00.58.82) to become the bridesmaid behind ruthless Annie Buttle of Kenilworth. It was Derby Excel's Georgina Pryor and Trafford Metro's Charlotte Taylor that upset Dolby's party in the 50m FC (00.27.08) and 50m Butterfly (00.28.53) respectively...finally however, the 100m IM (01.07.24) saw a finger-tip finish and the Reds' quartet of titles. 

Solid and successful swims came flowing in from the wider team - Carl Halford (30-34yrs) making his new age group debut with Seasons Best swims in the 200m FC (02.04.15) and 400m FC (04.28.42) for well deserved Top.5 finishes, James MacTavish (40-44yrs) finally making the diving block in time for his heats over the 200m IM (02.32.21) and 200m FC (02.12.79) for yet more Seasons Bests, Matt Nash (25-29yrs) just shy of a lifetime best over his favoured 100m Butterfly (01.06.89) but hitting the standard over the 200m IM (02.39.27). 

Kim Tarrant (55-57yrs) came away with more Top.10 finishes in the 50m Breaststroke (00.44.35) and 100m Breaststroke (01.38.80), Amanda Rush (55-59yrs) making a welcome return to the National stage over the 50m Backstroke (00.37.61) and 50m FC (00.33.83) to slip into the upper 10 also. Sarah Aldridge (50-54yrs) dipped under the 40 second mark for her single individual 50m Breaststroke (00.39.65) before adding some much needed power in our sprinkling of relays...

...which were brutal across all age-divisions as expected! The 'sweet spot' of 100-119yrs no longer remains an enigma for Masters Clubs, with conglomorations from Devon (Dartmoor SC) and London's Bo Newham flexing serious muscle with numerous British, European and World records falling. The mixed 4 x 100m FC (Halford/MacTavish/Carroll/Dolby) nearly broke the sacred 4 minute mark, but even such sterling efforts were not enough to break through to Bronze. 4 x 50m Medley (Dolby/Halford/Nash/Carroll) battled into the Top.10, likewise with the 4 x 50m FC (Aldridge in switch for Carroll - very much the 'Senior' of the group!), despite strong splits. A true testament to how this discipline within aquatics has grown over the past decade. 

Stats were frequently announced over the three days, with so many new records set it was difficult to keep count...but one thing is for sure, Britain remains at the very forefront of this sport, and soon, just to qualify will be a wonderful achievement for any Southampton Masters swimmer...let alone come away with four National titles and a back up of second - third place podium placings. We'll be sure to keep up the great work!

MEDAL TALLY:

GOLD : 4

SILVER : 4

BRONZE : 1

TOTAL : 9

James MacTavish

CSSC Masters Coach