A small group of Long Eaton Masters competed at the 14th Etwall Eagles Masters Open Meet this weekend. This is one of the last meets of the year, and an event that Long Eaton has supported from the very beginning. Leanne Atkins, Martin James, Julie Phillips, Mary Holland and Masters’ coach Maggi Tuck joined “Feargal Sharkey”, the team’s mascot, for a day of fast swimming at Alfreton Leisure Centre.
With an emphasis on “process”, it was great to see everyone stepping up to the mark and holding their skills and technique throughout. There is more work to be done, but Maggi is pleased with the progress being made by everyone.
The meet also doubles as the Derbyshire Masters County Championships, and it was encouraging for the team to end the year with four multiple county champions in Leanne (who trains with the club’s National Squad), Julie, Mary, and Maggi. Unfortunately Martin had some really stiff competition from other Derbyshire competitors, but there is always next year!
Leanne won both the 100m and 50m freestyle (30-34), Julie’s county medals were won in the 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 100m IM events (60-64), Mary is a three-times county medal winner for 50m and 100m freestyle and 50m backstroke, with Maggi winning 6 county medals for 50m in all four strokes, 100m backstroke and 100m IM (55-59).
Mary was the winner of the Record Breaker Trophy, taking an impressive 17 seconds off the previous 100m freestyle meet best time – an overall improvement of 19.4% on the previous record.
Long Eaton SC was also represented by Helen Akers and Angela Hidle, who gave up their time to officiate at the event.
The squad will be looking forward to a well-deserved break over the Christmas holiday, with the hard work starting again in January as competitors focus on preparation for the CABSC Masters Open Meet in March.
Mary Holland receiving the Record Breaker Trophy from Derbyshire ASA President Ian Davey.
