More than 60 swimmers from across the UK and beyond travelled to the Isle of Wight to compete in the 25th Isle of Wight Marlins Masters Open Swim Meet at Medina Leisure Centre.
Competitors travelled to the Isle of Wight from across the UK and beyond, with clubs represented from Jersey, Exeter, Poole, Crystal Palace and South London. The event also welcomed Helga Reinicke from Germany, alongside swimmers from Island-based clubs.
The afternoon provided a warm and friendly atmosphere while remaining highly competitive throughout, as swimmers of all ages competed across a full programme of races.
The Top Female Swimmer award was won by Jacqueline Patel of Spencer Swim Club, while the Top Male Swimmer was Jevenijs Putans from Bracknell and Wokingham. Both were presented with a bottle of Isle of Wight Mermaid Gin.
Bracknell and Wokingham were also crowned Top Club, taking home The Heights Memorial Trophy. Jacqueline Patel and Jevenijs Putans shared the Charles Ambler Trophy after both competed in 13 events during the meet.
Bob Cooper, long-serving referee at the event, has said:
“I have had the pleasure of being referee of this Marlins Masters meet for some 20 years, and it is lovely to see so many swimmers coming back each year to the Isle of Wight to swim these races.
“To see Helga, who is 83, come from Germany every year is lovely. Again, this event shows that swimming is open to all ages, with our Jenny Ball aged 87 and Roy Wilson aged 79 from Ruislip and Northwood still involved.
Article continues below this advertisement “I know that many of the swimmers and their friends stayed over on the Isle of Wight. I would like to give a thank you to the members of the Isle of Wight Marlins Masters who make this event possible, especially Fiona Newnham MBE for her organisational skills.
“Finally, thank you to the Medina Pools staff for preparing the pool.”
Organisers said the continued success of the event highlights both the enduring appeal of masters swimming and the Isle of Wight’s ability to host well-supported sporting competitions year after year.
