World Masters Swimming Championship in Budapest

Between 7th and 20th August, over 15,000 competitors in swimming, open water swimming, synchronised swimming, water polo and diving took part in the World Masters Swimming Championship in Budapest, Hungary. With the Great Britain team achieving 8 medals at the elite World Swimming Championships in Budapest, it was the turn of the Masters Swimmers to show the world their talents.

Masters swimming is for those who are aged 25 years or older; they compete in five year age bands with swimmers in their 90’s competing in the championships. Bracknell and Wokingham Swimming Club had four swimmers representing Great Britain: Bridget Bewick (50-54 years), Jenny Crittenden (30-34 years), Linda Foster (50-54 years) and Amy Vaal (25-29 years), with the latter competing in the Open Water in Balatonfüred.

Despite the open water swim being brought forwards, postponed, cancelled and finally put back to its original day and time, Vaal eventually swam a shortened course in the 50 mile long lake of Balaton. With a course change 12 hours before the start, from one loop of 3 km to two loops of 1200 meters, the 28 year old dug in to hold her own in a fiercely contested race. Although it was tough conditions, with waves obstructing views of the buoys, Vaal finished in a credible 10th place.

Back in Budapest and it was the turn of the pool swimmers; first to race was Bewick in the 200 meters Backstroke. Despite nerves kicking in she fought hard in the last 50 metres to finish in 7th place. A great start to her World Championships’ campaign. Foster shortly followed in the 100m freestyle, where over 100 swimmers in her age group alone were competing. She finished in 84th place. With only time to swim down and re-energise, Foster was back in the pool for the 100m Breaststroke finishing in a time of 1.44.16. In the same event, Crittenden raced her first event of the competition. She produced a gutsy swim to finish her age group in 26th place in a time of 1.27.63.

The following day saw Bewick take on the almighty 400 Individual Medley where she battled against a tough field to finish in 6th place and winner of a diploma. Her all round strength across the four strokes was evident in a closely fought battle. With an aim of swimming under 2 minutes 30 seconds, Crittenden took on the 200 meters Freestyle with pure determination, unfortunately falling just short of her target by 0.06seconds.

Day four of the championships and tired limbs were starting to take affect but plenty of rest between events and adrenaline fueled races led to more success. Bewick competed in the 200m Individual Medley finishing in 7th place before enjoying some of the sights of Budapest with family.

With only relays on the Friday, a complete rest day for all BWSC swimmers was well-deserved before their final events.

Both Crittenden and Bewick competed in the 200m Breaststroke on their final day of racing; with both producing some great swims. Bewick battled fatigue in her legs but still finished 12th in her age category whilst Crittenden went on to produce a 6 second lifetime best time of 3.06.88. Whilst Foster competed in the 50m Breaststroke, the final event of the World Masters Swimming Championships where she finished 39th.

A big thank you goes to the BWSC Masters coach Jim for his continued support and advice, as well as all the family and friends who flew out to support the team. Well Done to all the BWSC swimmers who represented Great Britain in what was a tough competition.