Oundle and District Swimming

World Masters - Perth, Australia - 2008

Claire Foster and Nicola Latty were Oundle's representatives at the 2008 FINA World Masters Championships in Perth, Australia.

The meet proved to be a success for both swimmers. Nicola claimed her first ever world title with victory in the women's 35-39 400m IM with a time of 5:32.09. Not content with one gold medal, she went on to win the 200m fly with a time of 2:28.55 almost three seconds ahead of the second place swimmer. Claire placed fourth in the women's 25-29 200m breaststroke with a time of 2:57.24 which was a masters best performance.

Claire Foster - 4th in the 200 Brst and Nicola Latty - 1st in the 200 Fly

The meet wasn't without hiccups. On the first day of the championships the women's 800m freestyle was stopped two heats before Nicola's swim as thunder storms and heavy winds made it unsafe to continue the event in the outdoor pool. Unfortunately the announcer said the event was being postponed for three days and some swimmers left the pool thereby missing the event which was resumed about three hours (rather than days) later when the indoor pool became free. Three days later the final swimmers were able to compete and the event was completed. After the disruption and the three day wait, Nicola managed fourth place in 10:03.74.

In the 50 butterfly Claire battled the cold, windy conditions in the outdoor pool, finishing in 19th position in 32.81sec, another masters best performance. This event proved to be a competition with the elements and the main challenge was staying warm for the start of the race.

Claire Foster in the 50 Fly