Ryde Swim Masters Enjoy Golden Medal Haul

Tuesday, 6 February 2024 09:25

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Ryde Swimming Club Masters team competed last weekend in the 23rd annual Isle of Wight Marlins Open Meet at Medina Leisure Centre.

Clubs from as far as Exeter, Poole, Brighton, Bracknell and London put forward a strong field of swimmers but Ryde's team of five managed an amazing third place overall among the 23 clubs competing, coming behind runners-up Wantage and winners Bracknell & Wokingham.

In the 35- 39 age group, county champion Kim Holmes swam some of her best ever races, achieving personal best times that place her high in SE Regional rankings, winning three individual golds and one silver.

In the 85-89 age group, Jenny Ball performed consistently as always, winning her usual 5 individual golds.

Recently returning to competition, Jacob Jenner lead the way in the 20-24 age group with two golds and two silvers.

Family members Imogen Sussmes in the 25-29 age group and father Matthew (60-64) added to the haul with two golds and three silvers, and three golds, respectively.

But on top of the individual haul, the relay team of Jacob, Kim, Matthew and Imogen won both the freestyle and medley relays in the combined 120-plus age group, both proving exciting races to watch with nail-biting finishes as the second place teams nipped their heels.

Ryde Swim team hope to field even more swimmers for next year's event.