European record goes after Ashmore's vintage show (From Dorset Echo)

European record goes after Ashmore's vintage show

8:40am Saturday 5th November 2011 in Sport By Nigel Dean

GRANDMOTHER Linda Ashmore has broken the European record for the 1,500m freestyle for the 65-69 age group at the National Masters Championships at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge.

The Weymouth veteran, who swam the English Channel in 2007, set her sights on the record as she began to improve both her stamina and speed during the gruelling training sessions for the Channel swim.

She made several attempts at the 1,500m European record for the 60-64 age group and came within three seconds of the time but never managed to break the record.

However, undeterred and, now moving up an age group, she tried again and swam the 1,500m (60 lengths) in 23 minutes 33 seconds to knock 11 seconds off the 65-69 age group record.

A delighted Ashmore said: “I now have the world record to aim for in the 70-74 age group – all I need to do is to maintain my speed and hope that nobody comes along in the meantime to swim an even faster time in that age group.”

Ashmore swims with the Weyport Masters Swimming Club who meet three times a week at the Osprey Leisure Centre, Portland and Wey-mouth swimming pools.

Anyone, 18 and over, and who can swim a few lengths, is welcome to come along to any of the sessions as the club cater for all abilities and ages.

For further details visit the website weyportmasters.org.uk or contact head coach Kate Mason on 07900604445.