Four swimmers and a timekeeper - Maidenhead Open 07

Written by Joy Stevenson

Five swimmers (well four and an injured supporter) showed dedication to the sport by making the short journey down the M40 on the day of the Rugby World Cup Final to compete at the Maidenhead Open Masters meet.

It took a little while for everyone to get going with good results recorded by Matt Thomas and Roy McWhirter in the 50m Butterfly but unfortunately not reaching the heights of PBs. Matt was a little happier when he realised Joy’s poor timekeeping recorded him a little slower than his actual time!

The first PB of the day came from Mel McWhirter in the 200m Freestyle, recording a best time of 2.19.94 to take the honours in the Women’s 30 to 34 age group. The biggest surprise was not the quick time but the fact that Mel actually kicked for the duration of the race! Competing in the same event, Roy took 4th place in the 35 to 40 age group and John Smith took the gold in the 30 to 34 category.

After a quick bit of dinner, the evening was set to prove more fruitful for the four swimmers. Mel continued her run of PBs with a time of 1.02.72 in the Women’s 100 Freestyle with Matt also achieving a quick time of 54.12 in the Men’s 100 Freestyle to take first place.

The next in line for a PB was Roy in the Men’s Individual Medley in a time of 1.10.58 and this was quickly followed by another PB by Matt in the 50 Freestyle – recording an all time best of 24.58. John also rounded off his events with a pleasing time of 27.43 – getting close to his previous best time.

Mel finished the day off with a first place in the Women’s 50 Free in a time of 28.81, leading the field by over a second. She then had to move even faster to get changed in time for the team to listen to first half of the Rugby Final!

All in all the team won 8 gold, a silver and a bronze medal and also recorded 4 PBs, providing great confidence for the Nationals in a week’s time.

30/10/07