Barnet Copthall Masters swimmers competed in the ASA National Masters Championships in Sheffield and came away with six new European records, two British records and over 40 medals.

Christine Porter was Barnet Copthall’s most successful swimmer, first equaling her own European record (50-54 year old age group) in the 100m freestyle and then demolishing that time to set a new European record of 1min.02.78secs as she led off the first leg of the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay. It was a race in which the team set another European relay record (the other team members were Louisa Powell-Tuck, Natalie Bateson and Melissa Cannon). Porter also set yet another European record in the 50m freestyle event.

Barnet Copthall’s four other European records were set by the mixed 4x200m freestyle relay team (total age 160-199 years) of Mark Reynolds, Christie Porter, Melissa Cannon and Calum McKinlay; mixed 4x100m freestyle (total age 160-199 years) of Mark Reynolds, Christie Porter, Sachika Yamawaki and Calum McKinlay and the men’s 4x100m medley (total age 160-199 years) of David Gelb, Jim Hobsley, Mark Reynolds, Calum McKinlay.

British records were set by Calum McKinlay (45-49 years) in the 400m freestyle and by the women’s 4x200m freestyle team (total age 160-199 years) consisting of Christine Porter, Melissa Cannon, Emma Harvey and Louisa Powell-Tuck In addition, the team won a further 20 individual gold medals, eight relay golds, seven individual silver medals, three relay silvers and three individual bronze medals.

Team manager Ian Woollard said: “There were many great individual performances over three long and tiring three days of intense competition but it brought out the best from our swimmers. "One of the biggest factors was the great all-round team spirit. Team work was definitely the key to success and Barnet Copthall’s Masters medal-winning ways. "Everyone played their part, whether in a relay or as an individual. They supported each other every day, in every swim. They were magnificent.”