On Sunday 18th May, 32 swimmers from Cally Masters, aged 23 to 78, once again took to the hallowed waters of Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre to battle it out against 11 other clubs for the title of Middlesex Masters Champion.
After six hours of tight races, impressive comebacks, and sheer grit and determination, the team secured its greatest win yet, not only by coming first in the Women’s and Overall categories for the fourth year running, but also by winning the Men’s category for the first time EVER! Cally Masters’ Overall score was 1,490 points, with second place going to Camden Swiss Cottage with 811 points, and third place going to Haringey Aquatics with 548 points.
Necks aching from wearing the many medals won throughout the day (19 bronze, 36 silver, and a whopping 67 gold medals!), the team took to the Lord Palmerston pub in Tufnell Park to celebrate. No doubt the club will be back next year with their eye set on retaining the title!
Congratulations to the entire team for their fantastic performance, and a special shout out to the following swimmers:
· Sophie O’Keefe for officially being the fastest woman of the day, winning every race she entered and achieving the fastest women’s time for each one. What a champ!
· Amy Barton for achieving the fastest women’s time for 200m IM (amazing!).
· Joe Geary for achieving the fastest men’s time for 50m backstroke (you legend!).
· George Turner for competing in their first ever swim meet and doing a fantastic job.
· Nicola Stanbridge and Julia Plume for returning to the racing world after decades away, and smashing it.
· Sara Perry for bringing in the most points for the team (60 for individual events and 24 for relays) – superstar!
· Ella Snell for doing Cally proud as a timekeeper.
· Dominique Clement and Paul Botham for their fantastic work organising the team and ensuring no one missed their races (no small feat!)
Finally, a big thanks to all those involved in organising the Middlesex Masters competition. Until next year!
Cally Masters 