EUROPEAN GLORY!

EUROPEAN MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS

August saw the Masters European (Long Course) Swimming Championships take place in Šamorín, the week after the Elite Championships in Paris.

The venue was in the middle of nowhere, about 30 minutes drive from the capital, Bratislava, but was ideal for the event. The competition took place in an outdoor 50m pool with the addition of an indoor 25m pool for continuous warm up and swim down.

In addition, there was a jacuzzi with power jets, several hot tubs and plenty of sun loungers, snack bars and ice cream stands. This meant that those who enjoy sitting out in the sun had plenty of options. There was the added bonus of digitally-timed slides! Team Manager Steve took the win in 11.78 seconds!

A small but competitive team of 11 swimmers made the trip. They returned with 6 Gold, 11 Silver and 7 Bronze medals. Every member of the team earned a medal!

Some of the standout performances included Helen winning the 50m Free in a Championship record. She also achieved bronze in the 100m Free and 50m Fly. Arran won the 100m Free in a personal best and new British record. He also took gold in the 50m Fly. He then broke the British record in the 50m Freestyle, opening up the 4x50 relay.

Holly won the 100m Free, in probably the most exciting finish of the event, winning by just 0.01 seconds! Danny achieved 2nd in the 800m and 400m Freestyle and 3rd in the 200m Freestyle, in a British record. James won the 100m Free, breaking 53 for the first time. Head Coach Craig, won the silver medal in the 50m Freestyle.

For the first time ever at an international met, every single Trafford relay team were in the medals. The men's 4x50m Medley team of Dan, James, Gareth and Arran concluded relay day by winning an emphatic gold. In addition, Molly continued her run of superb long course racing, picking up a bronze in her favoured event, the 200m Butterfly. Notable personal achievements came from debutante to the international scene, Chloe who, for the first time, swam sub 30 in both relays, and Rob who won his first international championship medal - bronze in the 400m Freestyle.

Every Trafford swimmer returned with medals, demonstrating incredible depth.