swimstu73's blog

On Wednesday 14th July, Wilts ASA held their annual 1500m open water race.  It has proved more popular every year and this year saw some 120+ entrants.

Conditions were not as good as the week before with the winds making the long back straight a little choppy and the setting sun making it difficult to 'sight' the markers.

Shula Scotford took part in the 750m race (for 11 year olds) and did herself proud in her first effort at open water racing.

This season's first county open water event took place tonight (7th July 2010) and consisted of 4 laps of a 750m course at Lake 32 in the Cotswolds.

23 swimmers in total with only 2 representatives from Corsham - Paul Bacon and Stuart Gibbs (both Masters).  The conditions were almost perfect.
Both swimmers improved on their times from last year with Paul winning gold in the Over 40 category for the second year running.  Stuart took bronze in the under 40s.

Round 2 of the Wiltshire County Masters took place at the Link Centre on 5th June and despite their numbers being down on the last round, Corsham Masters fought hard and had fun.  4 events on the night - 100 back, 50 fly, 25 free and 100 breast.  Only four of us there, so person by person....

Open Water swimming might not be top of everyone's list of things to do, but with the 10km event becoming an established fixture on the Olympic and World calender and the growing popularity of the Great Swim series, perhaps it's something that all competitive pool swimmers should try (at least once!) 

Wilts County host two events over the summer months at Lake 32 in the Cotswold Water Park:

- 3km on Wednesday 7th July 2010

- 1.5km (or 750m for 11 year olds) on Wednesday 14th July.

The largest Masters team (in recent times) to compete at the Wiltshire County Masters returned home from Trowbridge with 19 medals (7 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze). 

Making their debuts in Masters events were Heather Knight (2S,2B), Michael Edmundson (1G, 2S), Sean Browne (1B) and Ben Bridgeman (1S,2B) - all rising to the challenge and enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere.

Not to be outdone, the 'experienced' swimmers carried on their rich vein of form.

The final round of the Wiltshire Masters for 2009 saw the usual suspects (Nikki, Andy and Stuart) make the long trip to Salisbury for 5 events (well, the lazy amoung us only did 3!!!)

Good results made the journey worthwhile.
Nikki claimed gold and county records in her 3 events.
Andy amassed 4 golds and a bronze - narrowly missing out on county records in 3 events.
Stuart gained 1 gold and 4 silvers - but more importantly was not disqualified in any of his races.

Shorter distance - similar results.
There was much stronger competition with over 80 swimmers on the night.
Paul Bacon won the Over 40s (possibly with a new County record to go with his 3km record) with Sean Browne being edged out in a very tough category. Stuart Gibbs won the Under 40s (also possibly a new County record).

I understand that Hannah Lias also swam, but I don't know how she got on as I arrived so late.

With no Corsham youngsters taking part in this event, it was left to 3 of our older members to battle their way around 4 laps of Lake 32. Paul Bacon (swimming in his first ever competitive swimming race) and Stuart Gibbs swam shoulder to shoulder all the way round with Stuart just pipping Paul by 3 seconds in the final sprint. New member Sean Browne (dusting off his goggles after 23 years out of the water) came in not far behind.