2008 Isle of Wight Masters Swim meet
The 130 entrants, all aged from 18 to 86 years and many from large mainland clubs, were in fierce competition for the “Heights” Team Trophy. This was won by Ruislip and Northwood who were way out in front with 305 points.
Highlights of the competition were the four new British Masters records making this the ninth consecutive year that records have been broken at the Heights. For these to be ratified by the Amateur Swimming Association, the pool has to be exactly the correct measurement and ASA qualified officials running the competition.
Presentations were made to the record breakers and trophy winners by Mrs. Anne White, President of the Hampshire County ASA. Anne was accompanied by her husband Ken and also assisted with officiating duties.
Pictured right: Mrs Anne White presenting the “Heights” Trophy to Ruislip and Northwood
Referees Bob Cooper from Middlesex and David Carter from Bedfordshire, both of whom have homes on the Island are now established to lead the team of Isle of Wight officials at the meet.
The four records were broken by:
Edward Askew, Chichester Cormorants in 800 metres freestyle in a time of 14 minutes 16.63 seconds. Edward entered and swam all 17 individual events at the age of 75 and also collected the trophy for top scoring male swimmer!
Not to be outdone by age James (Jim) Green, 80 years old in July from Horley, Surrey and swimming for Kings Cormorants, broke the British record for 100 metres breastroke in 2 minutes 00.70 seconds.
Muriel Hitchcock, also from Chichester Cormorants and also a breaststroker, broke two records in 50 and 100 metres in the 70 to 74 age group with times of 46.68 seconds and 1 minute 43.86 seconds respectively.
In the team competition only 20 points separated the top six clubs behind the trophy winners. From the 28 competing clubs, Royal Navy were runners up with Kings Cormorants in third place, followed closely by Chichester Cormorants. Otters, the longest established Masters club and from London, were in 5th place. Close behind were Hampshire North in 6th place, West Wight were 7th and host club, Isle of Wight Masters, 8th.
The top ladies trophy was won by Ruth Lowe from Etwall Eagles in Staffordshire. It was especially good to see Islanders Rosie Gard, West Wight and Barnabas Pimental, Seaclose SC win the top senior 18-24 years awards.
Pictured left (Left to Right): Ruth Lowe, Barnabas Pimental, Rosie Gard, Edward Askew
Pictured left: Joan Kidd presenting trophy to Barnabas Pimental with Ruth Lowe on the left and Rosie Gard on the right.
The Masters club could not hold this event without the help and support of the Heights’ management, catering and life guarding staff, all of whom continue year after year, to make the meet known as the “friendly” competition. Besides the officials, is the team of helpers, who also make sure the event runs smoothly for the two long days.