Middlesex Masters Inter-County wins Third

After a number of years either without a team or with a very last-minute team, Middlesex were able to field 30 swimmers for the 2022 Masters Inter-Counties. Swimmers from Teddington, Barnet Copthall, Otter, Out To Swim, Hackney, Enfield, Brompton and Cally swim clubs trekked across London to race at the LAC, a rarity for masters swimming.

Unfortunately, due to illness, some swimmers needed to drop out which depleted the team. But knowing how important it was to the squad, Middlesex’s swimmers stepped up with some racing events they hadn’t swam in years.

For once, events were spread out between swimmers, so they could max out each 50 and there was plenty of fast swimming, including seasons and personal bests. 

On the day, Middlesex finished 2^nd in the South East region behind Hampshire. Nationally the team secured 3^rd place with Devon winning overall. This result far excided expectations and was the cherry on top of the cake for all the swimmers.

We had regional wins in the following events

Christine Porter – 55yrs+ 50 Freestyle

Gina Heyn – 35yrs+ 50 Breaststroke

Men’s 220yrs+ 4x50 Freestyle Relay (Craig Bransby, James Hobsley, Mark Reynolds and Mark Deakin)

Gina Heyn – both the 18yrs+ and 35yrs+ 50 Butterfly

Will Roberts – 35yrs+ 50 Freestyle

Women’s 72yrs+ 4x50 Medley Relay (Hannah Nicol, Pixie Lale-Klasicki, Gina Heyn, Hannah Loughlan)

Chris Kaethner – 65yrs+ 50 Breaststroke

Gina finished top nationally in the 35yrs+ 50 breaststroke as did the Men’s 220yrs+ 4x50 freestyle relay.

A great result for Middlesex and hopefully a high standard for the team to emulate in years to come!

Many thanks go to the club reps who helped round up swimmers, Ian for organising the officials and helping with the handover of team organiser to myself, Gina, and to Neil and Richard for officiating on the day and Vicky for being team manager on the day.

Team roster