Perth team’s record haul at the Masters
Swim stars win silverware at event in Aberdeen
Perth Masters swim team aims to have fun, maintain fitness and forge friendships.
But the squad of water stars - who are affiliated with Perth City Swim Club - are also becoming familiar with picking up medals.
A record haul of winnings were bagged at the British Masters Swimming Championships in Aberdeen recently, with six pieces of silverware returning home.
Andrew Bailey, Graham Hunter and Kyran McManus secured the medals across a range of distances and age groups.
But positive performances were on show from all club members.
First out of the blocks was Trudy Torrie in the 1500m, finishing in sixth place in her 45-50 age group and producing a lifetime best of 25:18.
She followed the long distance pattern over the weekend with strong performances in the 200m and 400m before rounding off with a solid time of 13:47 in the 800m.
Ashleigh Jolly, competing in her first British Championships, specialised in individual medleys over the weekend of action.
Solid 200m and 400m swims were followed by a 50m performance which narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the 25-29 age group.
“The standard was well beyond expectations of a club the size of Perth,” said events organiser for Perth Masters Andrew Bailey (42), who claimed two medals.
“With about 40 members and a team of five at the British, we didn’t expect to come home with this numbers of medals. But it was not all about the medals.
“Each and every team member achieved a number of personal best times over the weekend as well.
“Trudy Torrie set the standard for others to follow with a fantastic personal best in the 1500m, which inspired everyone to step a gear.
“The success is down to hard work and focus. Everyone at the club holds down professional jobs during the day, so swimming as a master can be a challenge.
“Firstly finding pool time and also balancing family time for late night Perth Masters members enjoyed success at the British Masters
training. But each and every one of the club members trains hard with great feedback and coaching from Erin Torrie or Roddy McCall encouraging you all the time.”
The team is open to anyone interested in swimming, with current members ranging from the age of 18 up to those in their 70s.
Bailey said: “The club trains for two hours per week across two sessions per week at Perth Leisure Pool.
“Across the pool the sessions are tailored to individual ability and lanes grouped together but also to ensure everyone has fun. Masters swimming is all about three core values of fitness, fun and friendship.”
Being involved with the wider membership of Perth City Swim Club brings an excitement. And it’s an environment which is helping push swimmers to the next level.
“We all know the potential that Perth has and we’ve been inspired by Stephen Milne,” added Bailey. “It’s such an exciting time for swimming in Perth right now.
“Perth is a special place for swimming, the legacy that Ann Dickson has built and continues to develop is very special.
“A number of our team came through the ranks with her, have been part of her coaching team or our children are part of the club.
“They all know the expectation and standards that are required in competitive swimming and pass on that advice to us all whether competing or not.
“It’s great to watch them train before us on a Thursday and just pick up little bits of advice or training ideas.
“I’m sure Ann and her coaches keep an eye out for our performances - especially if we’ve been disqualified in a race!”
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Bailey said: “The main events are now out of the way in the UK for this year with three team meets left in Scotland in August in Inverness and September in Greenock.
“The final meet of the year is the Midlands Championship in October and we’re aiming to take a big team up to Dundee.
“Who knows we might even become best in the region. But most importantly it all about having fun and enjoying our sport whether competing or just coming along to keep fit.”