The good news is that Masters swimming is alive and well and we would love you to join in the action. It really isn’t too early to think about your plans for 2022 and begin to plan a program to get ready for competition. Here are a few pointers to get you started…

The Black Country n Potteries website gives ALL the information you need: https://blackcountrynpotteries.co.uk

The governing body Swim England site has a lot of advice at: https://www.swimming.org/masters/

One of our BCPM members, Phil Carpenter, runs an excellent Masters training scheme from Bridgnorth pool. Further info: https://sssa.co.uk/. If that’s not convenient, contact us through our website and we’ll try to help with other suitable training opportunities in your area.

Check our Events Calendar for a draft schedule of competitions in 2022.

Day one of the National Short Course Masters at Sheffield saw drama, trepidation and glee. Kath, Lindsey and Richard were all at Ponds Forge whilst Martyn Finney battled every constraint to reach the venue on time. Frozen to a standstill on the M42, Martyn looked to have no hope whatsoever of reaching the poolside for the 5.00pm deadline. However, given the smallest of chances, Martyn broke all legal (+illegal) means, parking his car, catching a tram and running the final lap into the pool. Congratulations Martyn, a true team player. To cap it off, the squad were delighted with their bronze medal in the the 240+ Mixed Medley.

Elsewhere in the arena Kath won gold in the 100 free and within the hour followed up with a win in the 50 back in a tight finish. Lindsey won bronze in the 100 free and swam an excellent 50 breast to achieve silver in grand style.

Mid way through the National Masters Championships in Sheffield and Richard Hinsley started his account in the pool with a couple of very respectable swims. 2.37.57 in the 200 free and 5.30.36 in the 400 metres. Kath had to be at her best to take the crown in the 50 Free. In a highly competitive field she broke the 34s barrier with a 33.89, a season’s best. Lindsey followed up with an excellent bronze in her 50 Free with another seasons best of 31.34. Later Kath was disqualified in her 200 back for a technicality on her final turn.

The relay squad Kath, Richard Woodall, Martyn Finney and Lindsey, battled throughout their 240+ Freestyle Relay to gain a bronze behind a strong Barnet Copthall team and close to Trafford Metro. Thanks to Richard and Martyn for travelling to the meet just for club relay swims.

Best call the final Sunday of the National Masters Championship in Sheffield ‘Brilliant Butterfly Day’. Lindsey Gowland claimed a scintillating victory in the 50 Fly in 35.55; her nearest rival was nearly 5 seconds behind. Richard Hinsley was well pleased with his own 50 fly with a time of 35.02. Kath Tunnicliffe finished her weekend with Silver in the 100 Backstroke. A great meet and BCPM swimmers were certainly in the mix, well done guys!

At the very first competitive opportunity since March 2020 three Black Country n Potteries Masters swimmers travelled 200 miles to race in Plymouth. 

Richard Hinsley stormed a 400 free 5.27.67 and followed up with a 1.27.28 in the 100 fly. Kath produced a 40.60, 50 back and 34.56, 50 free. Lindsey blasted a 31.82 in the same event. All agreed they felt really rusty being back in competition, especially using starting blocks. 

Results below: