The ASA Masters Championships (25m) got off to a superb start when Willy Van Rysel broke the 1500m World Record in the first event of the day at Ponds Forge.
Representing Spencer Swim Team, Van Rysel (90) broke the 1500m Freestyle world record in spectacular fashion, shaving nearly 3 minutes off the previous time set when she finished with a time of 41.20.62 for her age-group.
Van Rysel was delighted with the result.
“This was my last chance to break the 1500m short course record this year. I have been trying to break all the Masters records for my age-group, and made a point of wanting to do it on British soil”
“Records are made to be broken, and if I can still do it at my age, anyone can.“ said Van Rysel.
Van Rysel was not the only record breaker of the day. Elaine Blower (Barnet Copthall), set a new European and British record in the 60-64 years 1500m Freestyle with a time of 23.29.00.
Competing in the women’s 100m breaststroke, Jane Asher took the win despite two weeks of illness prior to the Championships.
“I have been unwell for a few weeks so I wasn’t too hopeful of a good result here, however I am happy with the time and swim I put in.” said Asher.
The men’s 50m Butterfly saw 4 British records fall to the hands of Owen Morgan (Cranleigh), Michael Fibbens (Barnet Copthall), Derek Parr (Otter) and Neil Mackinnon (Trafford Metro) in their respective age groups.
Aimee Ramm (GB Police) put in an impressive swim to take the honours in the women’s 50m Butterfly and set a new British record in the 18-24 years group with a time of 28.11.
Elizabeth Bellinger finished top in the 25-29 years 50m Butterfly in a new British record time and the records continued to fall throughout the day.
Liam Wardley (Loughborough Uiversity) put in a class performance to take gold in the men’s 200m Freestyle. He finished in a time of 1.52.26, nearly five seconds clear of his nearest rival, setting a new British record on the way.
Simon Veale (Totnes) made himself proud when he won the men’s 50-54 years 200m Freestyle, setting a new European and British record in the process.
Two further records fell to Claire Farrell and Diane Ford in the women’s 100m Breaststroke.
-ENDS-
For further details contact Stephanie West, ASA Media Assistant, on 01509 632236 or email stephanie.west@swimming.org
The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.
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