The weekend of 10 September saw one intrepid Otter make their way up to the Scottish Masters Championships in Tollcross, Glasgow. Alice Dinsdale-Young (30-34 age group) took part in her first external swimming competition in approximately 2.5 years. While not expecting much from her performances, she was pleasantly surprised by consistently hitting her long-course times in a short course pool! She also finished first or second in her age group for every event. The meet itself was very well run, but did have some oddities due to Covid; everyone had to keep their stuff in clear plastic bags (just like the professionals) and masks had to be worn when not in the pool. Also, somewhat strangely they weren’t providing medals. Hopefully, that’s a one-off as we all know Otters are attracted to metal.

After the amazing performance of our only representative at the Scottish event, we were slightly more numerous at the Barnet Sprint Meet meet held on 25 September.

The six Otters swimming did particularly well with results of being placed mostly either 1st or 2nd of their race in their category.

The meet itself was a real success after the long period out of competition. Around 50 clubs had swimmers in attendance with Barnet, Teddington and Otters leading the way with number of athletes present.

As always the 50 and 100 freestyle were very competitive and we were delighted that Catherine Demont and Peter Vider came 1st in their age groups.

Fraser Peh was our only representative at the London Region Festival of Swimming meet held at the London Aquatic Center on 24 July. He performed under a minute for the 100 fly and just above 55s for the 100 freestyle. Clearly Fraser has not lost it during lockdown!

We are now looking forward to many Otters competing at the Swim England Masters Nationals in Sheffield at the end of October. As always, the club will be well represented in the individuals and relays.

Go Otter!