Trafford Swimming club makes it 5 national titles in a row

Trafford Metro Masters have been crowned the UK’s top Masters swimming club for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year following another outstanding performance at the Swim England National Masters Championships in Sheffield.

Competing at Ponds Forge from 23–25 October, the Trafford swimmers returned home with a remarkable 95 medals – 50 gold, 26 silver and 19 bronze – while also rewriting the record books.

Trafford’s relay teams produced an extraordinary two World Records, six European Records and nine British Records, underlining the strength and depth of a squad which has dominated the national championships for the past five years.

There were also some exceptional individual performances.

Dan Mills broke both the European and British records in the 400m and 800m Freestyle, winning both events as part of a four-gold championship.

Arran Francis set new European and British records in winning the 100m Freestyle in 48.54 seconds and also claimed gold in the 200m Freestyle and 100m Butterfly.

Louisa Zolkiewski added two individual British Records, in the 100m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke, on her way to four individual victories.

Trafford Metro Masters coach Bob Bolton said:

“Winning the national title once is a fantastic achievement, but to do it five years in succession is something very special.

“What makes me particularly proud is that this is a genuine team achievement. Yes, we have swimmers breaking World, European and British records, but every swimmer who races, scores points, swims a relay and supports their teammates contributes to our success.

“We have an amazing group of dedicated coaches and a wonderful group of swimmers who train hard, compete hard and, most importantly, enjoy doing it together. To bring the national title back to Trafford for a fifth consecutive year is something everyone associated with the club can be immensely proud of.” “The icing on the cake for me personally was that as Swim England North West Region President I had the opportunity to present the record breaking medals to our swimmers”.

The latest victory further establishes Trafford Metro Masters as the most successful Masters swimming programme in the country – and ensures the Otter 120 national championship trophy remains in Trafford for another year.