3 Masters swimmers from Ryde Swimming Club attended the 3-day Swim England Masters National Championships event at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield last weekend.
Kim Holmes and Matthew Sussmes, who both coach at the club and train several times a week, competed in various events with different strokes – from 50m to 200m – and came away with impressive results, having competed against the best swimmers in the country for their age groups.
The standard was exceptionally high with over 1,600 swimmers attending and 17 world records being recorded by the elite swimmers who won their events.
Matthew (60-64 age group) came away with 2x 5th places (50m BK and 100m FC), 2x 7th places (50m FC, 200m FC) and an 8th place (100m BK).
Kim, in a tough younger age group (35-40) came away with 9th place in the 50m BK and narrowly missed out on a top 10 place in the 50m BR and 50m FC.
As with all swim events, it could not have taken place without the assistance of the numerous volunteers that give up their time to judge, time keep and referee. Ryde’s Jenny Ball, who was unable to compete after having had minor eye surgery, officiated at the competition including the events that, had she been up to it, she would have no doubt won medals.
Todd Miller, Chairman of Ryde Swimming Club, has said:
“Congratulations to Kim and Matthew, the club is tremendously proud of their achievements at the National Championships; a result of lots of hard work in training and an inspiration to others in our Masters squad”.
Article continues below this advertisement
