The short course Nationals 2024 saw the return of Tony Ward to help BCPM secure two 280-plus age group relay golds, with team mate Lionel Spittle claiming four podium finishes!

It was a fast and furious event at Sheffield between October 25th and 27th.

Tony not only oversaw the meet logistics in his role as head official but came out of retirement to claim two golds, part of a victorious 280 plus club mixed relay squad

Lionel joined forces in the relay victories, he also secured bronze medals in the 400 and 800 m freestyle for 70-plus-year-olds.

The 4 x 50m 240 plus women’s squad won their freestyle relay narrowly missing a club record and gained a Bronze in a thrilling medley event.

Jen Powell found the benefit of regular commitment to the training pool and was amply rewarded with three Bronzes, all in new Staffs record times.

Kath won her three back crawl swims with an unexpected victory in the 100 free and a Silver in the 50m free by a thumbnail (5/100’s).

Lindsey was unbeatable in the 65+ 50m Fly with Silver in 50m Free and Bronzes in the 100m Free and 50m Breast.

Barbara secured Bronze in the 200m and 400m Freestyle.

Here are the full results:

• 100m Back Kath Gold Staffs and West Midlands record; Jen Bronze Staffs record; Ian 4th 2.31.04
• 50m Fly Lindsey Gold
• 4 x 50 280+ mixed freestyle relay Gold (Tony, Babs, Lionel, Kath) 2.24.89 setting a new club record
• 100m Free Kath Gold Staffs record; Lindsey Bronze; Barbara 5th; Shaz 1.13.21
• 50m Breast  Lindsey Bronze; Shaz 44.49
• 200m Free Babs Bronze
• 100 IM Ian 1.09.88
• 4 x 50 240+ female freestyle relay Gold (Babs, Jen, Shaz, Lindsey)
• 4 x 50 280+ mixed medley relay Gold (Kath, Tony,  Lindsey, Lionel) 2.44.12 setting a new club record
• 50m Freestyle Kath Silver Staffs and West Midlands record; Lindsey Silver; Babs 4th; Shaz 32.27
• 100 Back Nicholas 1.21.26; Ian 4th 1.08.30; Kath Gold; Jen Bronze Staffs record.
• 800m Freestyle Lionel Bronze; Nicholas 11.41.60
• 4 x 50 240+ female medley relay Bronze (Jen, Shaz, Lindsey, Babs)
• 400 m Freestyle Babs Bronze; Lionel Bronze
• 50m Back Kath Gold; Jen Bronze Staffs record

Totals:  Eight Golds.    Two Silvers.   Ten Bronze