On the final day of the ASA National Masters Championships Alexander Mills and Willy Van Rysel continued their impressive form in Ponds Forge.

Hadrian Masters Swimmer Alexander Mills claimed a further two World, three European and three British records on the final day of competition. Mills (55) took his first record of the day in the 200m Individual Medley in a time of 2:26.39 seconds.

Competing in the 55-59 age group Mills smashed his second record in the 50m Breaststroke in a time of 32.13 seconds, slashing three seconds off the previous record.

His final event of the day and the competition was the 100m Freestyle he finished in a time of 56:48 seconds, in which he claimed his final European record.

Of the event he stated: “I am really pleased with the way that I swam,” he said. “I think I have had some excellent results this year. I was looking forward to the competition today, I had hopes of claiming more records but did not expect two more World records.”

“I thought that I did well yesterday but I have surpassed that today. I look forward to next years competition with the hope of smashing more records.”

Van Rysel, (90) of Spencer Swim Team, continued her excellent form by claiming two more World Records. Competing in the 90-94 age group, Willy claimed six World records on the three days of competition. Her first record of the final day came in the 800m Freestyle event in a time of 21:16.76 seconds

Her second record of the day and sixth of the competition came in the 50m Backstroke she finished in a time of 1:05.70 seconds.

Continuing her success, Stephanie Proud, (18) from Loughborough University, took another British record in the 800m Freestyle event, taking her total to two British records in two days.

Commenting of her achievements: “I think I had a good solid swim today,” she said. “It has been a while since I have swam the 800m Freestyle. I was happier with my swim yesterday; I do think that today could have been better. But with two records I’m still pleased.”

“This is my first year competing in this event, the competition is vital for my training it provides me with a focus, and Sheffield is a great venue to compete in.”

Further World records were also smashed by Maggie Kelly (50) and Simon Veale (50). Kelly, competing for Nottingham Leander, took her heat in a time of 36.32 seconds to claim the record in the 50-54 age group. Totnes swimmer Veale completed his heat with a time of 2:18.68 seconds in the 50-54 age group.

This year’s has seen a total of 12 World, 21 European and 66 British records smashed, showing that at Masters events competition is as fierce as ever as athletes fight for records.

Last year saw one World, 13 European and 61 British records broken.

-ENDS-

For more information contact ASA Media Assistant Gemma Field on 01509 632262, 07917 726431 or email gemma.field@swimming.org

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