Following on from our success at the Middlesex championships, 26 Otters made the trip up to Manchester for the annual national long course championships. There were a number of European and British records achieved, as well as a large haul of medals of all colours.

The 200+ relay team of Mike Reys, Paul Goudie, Pete Kirk and Dave Warren broke the European record in the 4*100 free, and also broke the British record in the 4*200 free. Individually Dave Warren won 4 golds, breaking British records in the 200IM, 100 free and 200 free. Derek Parr managed 5 golds, a silver and a bronze in an impressive medal haul, whilst Roger Lloyd-Mostyn picked up 4 medals including a silver and 3 bronzes. Lex Higlett and Gina Hobson both became national champions in their respective age groups, with Lex winning the 50 and 200 free, and Gina winning the 50 and 100 free. In the men’s 30-34 year age group newcomer Wade Rimbach picked up a gold in the 200 back and bronzes in the 100 back and 400IM. In to 18-24 year age group Ollie Wilson won the 50 free in a fantastic British record, and also picked up gold in the 100 free. Neal Thompson also picked up a bronze in the 50 free in the same age group. Doubling up in a very tough first session Pip Bennett won silver medals in both the 800 free and 400IM. This is just a small selection of a set of great swims by the team, with the club overall winning 23 golds, 10 silvers and 13 bronzes. Well done everyone!