FOR the first time in their history a team of Masters Swimmers from Hampshire has taken top honours in an annual competition between 28 English counties and seven of them came from the Basingstoke Bluefins.

The Hampshire team travelled to the new Leys Pool in Oxford to compete in the South East Region gala.

They put on a fantastic performance to win by 20 points and seven of 22 swimmers from Basingstoke were Caroline Ball, Lizzie Godfrey, Fleur Parker, Mark Straw, Ray Knight, Spencer Turner and Steve Greenfield. Godfrey achieved a national first place in the 50m backstroke in her age band.

Imogen Smith and Martyn Price from neighbouring Club Rushmoor Royals also achieved a national first place.

The swim times from all the competitors in England are then compared against each other and awarded points for their national placing and this is how Hampshire beat Yorkshire and Warwickshire to finish first by 20 points.

They came very close in 2013, missing out on second place nationally by only 1.5 points.

Masters swimming is thriving in England and there is usually a club near you which would be very welcoming to adults aged 18plus.

If you are interested then why not contact the county master’s secretary for more information at hampshiremasterssecretary@virginmedia.com