On 24 July a grand contingent of 30 Out to Swimmers trekked to the furthest reaches of wild North London to compete in the Middlesex County Masters Championship. It was the first competition for a few of the swimmers and the entire team rallied together to support each other.

With Coach Nathan on poolside to offer his usual blend of charm, support and empathy, the team prepared to take on other competing regional teams and our erstwhile rivals, the Otters.

The team started the day strong and ended the day strong. There were a few nerves in the relay teams about diving into the waist-deep shallow end of the pool, but with the option to start in the water, everyone was comfortable. There was a solid representation from both OTS men and women and even a few of those still in lessons won some medals!  We filled the mixed relay teams and represented all age groups.  Brothers, couples, mates all raced alongside each other.  In such a relaxed environment it was fantastic to see OTS swimmers in races they wouldn’t normally compete in, and even a few brave (some might say rather silly) souls competing in every available race (7 in total), earning the club maximum points.

By sundown, OTS came out triumphant. The club won the trophy for Best Men’s Team, came 4th in the Women’s competition and 3rd overall.  OTS hauled in a total of 87 medals.

It was great to see such a large number of members coming together to chat, gossip and an occasional paddle. A final, big thank to David Forrest for helping push participation, encourage new competitors and organise a luxurious bus.

See you all in October for Berlin and then the Nationals in Sheffield.
Just keep swimming,

Nick Miller
Swimmers' Rep

Results: (there may be typos, please refer to this page for official results) 

200m Freestyle

Emily C 2:46 Bronze
Andrew B 2:05 Gold
Darren W 2:07 Silver
Tristan H 2:26 Bronze
Martin B 2:21 Gold

50m Breaststroke

Oti T 44:19 Gold
Erika K 49:55 Silver
Andrew B 31:23 Gold
Darren W 36:20 Silver
Nick M 38:89 Bronze
Stephen L 31:95 Silver
Paul S 37:60 Bronze
Jose C-R 36:50 Gold
Keith W 43:64 Gold
David F 37:01
Darcy L 44:52

50m Butterfly

Hugo P 35:01 Silver
Andrew B 27.92 Gold
Darren W 28:99 Silver
Tristan H 30.14 Bronze
Mathew L 27.35 Gold
Martin B 32:98 Gold
David F 31:60 Gold

Men 100m Medley relay

OTS 100-11956:93 Gold
OTS 120-15959:96 Silver
OTS 160-199 1:09 Gold
OTS 200-239 1:11 Bronze

100m Freestyle relay

OTS women 160-199 1:14 Gold
OTS men 100-119 46:42 Gold
OTS men 120-159 52:07 Bronze
OTS men 160-199 59:54 Silver
OTS men 200-239 1:02 Silver

100m IM

Oliver W 1:02 Gold
Andrew B 1:04 Gold
Darren W 1:06 Silver
Tristan H 1:15 Bronze
Paul S 1:13 Bronze
Jose C-R 1:15 Silver
David F 1:12 Gold
Simon R 1:35 Silver

50m Backstroke

Donna P 51:61 Silver
Darren W 30:69 Gold
Andrew B 33:31 Silver
Paul Seyde 35:84 Bronze
Martin B 34:72 Gold
Keith W 46:26 Gold
Simon R 45:17 Gold
Darcy L 48:54 Silver

50m Freestyle

Anna M 39:20 Gold
Donna P 40:68 Bronze
Oliver W 24:06 Gold
Andrew B 26:11 Gold
Darren W 27:02 Silver
Tristan H 29:01 Bronze
Mathew L 23:97 Gold
Stephen L 25:63 Silver
Keith W 28:59 Gold
David F 28:51 Gold
Simon R 37:00 Silver
Darcy L 37:26 Bronze

Team Ranking: 

OTS women - 4th
OTS men - 1st 

Combined team score:

OTS - 3rd