Jan Price, representing South Mainland Amateur Swimming Club, competed at the Scottish Masters Short Course Championships. Her fourth time at this meet, she increased the number of events entered to 12, spread over Friday evening, Saturday morning and afternoon and duly discovered that this was the most number of events swam by anyone in the women’s 50-54 year age group. Despite having little rest between races she successfully managed to slightly better her 2009 times in all but 3 races and came 2nd in 8 events and 3rd in a further 2. However it was in a race where she only managed 4th place that she had undoubtedly her best race. In the last session was the 400 freestyle where she was in the lane next to Carolyn Swanson from Thurso who had a similar entry time. Jan went out faster and by the 300 metres had a 2 metre lead. Carolyn had held back in the early stages and was more able to put in a really fast final 100m and by the last turn had closed the gap. The last length was an all out sprint finish by both, resulting in Jan being beaten by a finger tip 0.08sec, but was delighted to make a Pb as did Carolyn. Both are looking forward to a re-match next year.
As well as having a great time in her own swimming, the competition always provides Jan the chance to chat to and watch other Masters swimmers, some who are new to the sport, others who have been competing for decades, but very many, like herself returning to competitive swimming after many years away from the sport. One such swimmer, that Jan took the opportunity to talk to was 50 year old Judy Hattle, who swam up to the age of 20, then returned to competing after having a family. Little did Jan know that just 15 minutes after their chat, she was to witness Judy setting a new WORLD record in the 200m butterfly – certainly THE highlight of the championships.
As in previous years, Jan opted to substitute receiving medals for a donation of £1 per medal to this year’s nominated charity Macmillan Cancer Support.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated before posting.