August saw Budapest host the 17th Fina World Masters Championships, the biggest Competitive Aquatic competition ever held.
14 days of competition, across 5 disciplines; swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, open water swimming & water polo, 15,000 participants, 4 venues, 450 officials & 1000 volunteers.
The venues included three 10 lane 50m & an 8 lane 25m pool at the newly opened Duna Arena, two 50m and two 33m pools at the Margaret Island Outdoor Aquatic Arena and two additional 10 lane 50m pools, one indoor with a retractable roof & one outdoor at the nearby training facility.
There was a wide global representation of competitors, with most races fielding 10 swimmers, all from different nations, all adding to a feeling of a global swimming community.
Literally with the Duna Arena poolside still wet from the exploits of Adam Petty, Katinka Hosszu and Laszlo Cseh it was time for the Masters Legends to have a go.
Three swimmers from Dolphins, Jo Blount, Jon Audis & Nigel Masters travelled to Budapest, along with their dedicated and supportive family members, to ‘race up’ at the highest level of Masters competition, against the best Masters Swimmers in the world. Including a host of previous Olympic, World & Commonwealth Games medallists & qualifiers.
All three swimmers produced seasons best times across all their events when it mattered most with months of training coming to a peak.
Jo Blount produced a sterling swim in her single event, the women’s 30-34yrs 100 Breaststroke, finishing 32nd.
Following some great results at the European Masters Swimming Championships last year, both Nigel & Jon were looking to pitch their performances on the higher stage.
Both Legend Squad swimmers delivered strong performances putting them both in the mix for the top honours in their respective events.
Nigel secured two top 10 positions; finishing 8th & 9th in the 200m Breaststroke & 200m Individual Medley respectively. In addition to a 14th & 19th place result in the 100m & 50m Breaststroke.
Jon’s outstanding Backstroke and all-round swimming abilities saw him clench two 5th place finishes in the 200m backstroke and 200m Individual Medley and a 6th & a 7th place in the 100m & 50m backstroke.
The entire competition was an event to behold & participate in. From the incredible quality and amount of facilities available, the professionalism of all the officials & volunteers involved, to the standard of performances delivered across the competition.
Whether you compete for fun, for the experience, or are looking to push for the highest accolades, then attendance at these events can satisfy all those desires, whilst allowing you to visit interesting places, make new friendships and enjoy a truly global swimming family experience.
The 18th World Masters Championships are scheduled for 2019 in Gwangu, South Korea.
Will you be there?? Come be A Legend!!
Nigel Masters – Squad Coach Masters Legend Squad
