Ten of Guildford City’s Masters finest packed their waterproof coats and headed north of the border to Aberdeen. Once they’d landed and been read the ‘Good Luck’ message over the airplane tannoy (courtesy of fellow Masters swimmer and British Airways Pilot, Ian Surrage) they found the only thing they’d need an umbrella for was to keep the sun off their backs as Scotland went through a heatwave!

The sanctuary of the Aberdeen Aquatics Centre was welcome and the swimmers did not disappoint with their results. Mike Hodgson came home with a clean sweep of 7 gold medals in the 50-54 age category including British and European Records in the 50m and 100m Breast, and 50m Fly. Mike also swam British Records in the 50m Free and 100m Free. Michelle Ware achieved 5 gold medals and 1 silver in the 40-44 age group, including British Records in the 50m Free and 50m Back.

More Guildford swimmers to bring home medals were Lynda Coggins with 1 gold, 2 silvers and 1 bronze in the 50-54 age category, David Bryant with 2 golds and 4 silvers in the 55-59 age group and Simon Dyson, winning his first National medals, with 1,500m Free gold in the 35-39 age group and 2 bronze medals in the 200m and 400m Free.

But the crowning glory was the mixed relay squad of David Bryant, Lynda Coggins, Michelle Ware and Mike Hodgson in the 200-239 age group who returned with 5 gold medals. The 4 x 50m Free and 4 x 100m Medley were won in British Record times whilst the 4 x 50m Medley and 4 x 100m Free were won in European Record times!!

Also performing well were Jerry O’Riordan, Terrence Li, Patrick Allen, Brian Averell and Alex Hutchby with several PB’s amongst their swims. Next stop – World Masters in Budapest in August!

Report: Ian Surrage