Veteran swimmer Jenny Ball – who lives in Newport and competes for Ryde Swimming Club – took 4 golds at the Swim England National Masters in Sheffield last weekend. Swimming in the 85-89 years age group, Jenny competed in 1,500m, 800m, 200m and 100m freestyle, winning gold medals in all 4 events, with times only marginally slower than those achieved in previous years. Jenny says:
” I was very happy to keep close to my previous times. I didn’t start swimming competitively till my 50s and only began winning medals in my 60s. “I regard myself as a survivor, having lost fellow competitors to dementia and cancer.”
Also taking part in the National Masters was Kim Holmes – another Ryde Swimming Club competitor – who took part in the 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and individual medley in the competitive 35-39 age group category. Although she did not achieve a podium place, Kim was pleased to have improved her times in comparison with those from earlier in the year.
