Masters swimming pair make a big splash
TWO members of a Leicester swimming club enjoyed a successful day at the Birmingham Masters Swimming event.
Andrew Boterill and Linda Dootson, from Leicester Masters swim club, won two golds, two silvers and a bronze medal and set five personal best times between them.
In the 66-69 year age group, Linda won the 100m breastroke in 1:55.32 and the 50m breastroke in 52.69 secs, and finished second in the 50m freestyle in 43.18 secs.
In the 50-54 year age group, Andy was second in the 50m freestyle in 31.15 secs, third in the 100m butterfly in 1.22.02 and fourth in the 50m butterfly in 33.51 secs.
Linda said: “I always feel very proud to represent our club.
“It was particularly amazing for the two of us to be at this event, which is only in its second year, and achieve what we did.
“Although there were many more students than older members, everyone was made to feel welcome and there were even some British records broken!
“We would both like to thank our coach Helen Atton for all her hard work and encouragement at the swim sessions at Cossington Street.
“It doesn’t matter about your age – with hard work and commitment you can achieve so much.”
Andy said: “Birmingham was a very well-organised event and it was great to represent Leicester Masters.”
The swimming club was formed in 1985 after previously being part of Leicester City Swimming Club.
Members meet at its Cossington Street pool every Tuesday and Friday at 8pm.
Linda said: “We currently have 42 members and around 28 competitive members and we target about six competitions each year, including the National Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield in October, which several members have qualified for this year.”