An inspirational celebration to recognise the oldest swimmers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, took place at Loughborough University on Tuesday morning (April 13th).

This followed a campaign by Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport and the ASA (Amatuer Swimming Association) to find the county’s most senior swimmer. Grant Turner and Kate Haywood from the British Swimming Squad presented an energetic and hugely impressive group of senior citizens with medals and certificates to mark their wonderful achievements.

John Walford (91 from Lutterworth), and Alan Woods (81 from Oadby) donned their trunks to pose for photographs and swim a few lengths of the University’s impressive pool. They were also joined by George Kirk (89 from Oakham) and 81-year-old Norman Hamblett from Oakham.

The actual oldest swimmer was crowned as Mrs Pat Ward from Loughborough who is an amazing 97-years-old. Unfortunately, due to a recent fall Pat was unable to attend but plans to get back to taking her regular lunchtime dips very soon.

Free swimming is available for young people 16 and under and people aged 60 or over as part of a national ‘Free Swim’ project. For more information please visit www.lrsport.org/active or contact Andrew Watson on 01509 564872.

All pictures courtesy of Soar Magazine’s photographic partner Soar Photo.

Pictured: Back Row (L to R) Norman Hamblett from Melton (81), Grant Turner, Kate Haywood (British Swimming Team) and Alan Woods from Oadby (81). Front Row (L to R) John Walford from Lutterworth (91) and George Kirk from Oakham (89).

Norman Hamblett and John Walford on the blocks

Alan Woods and John Walford after a dip in the pool

GB Swimmers Kate Haywood and Grant Turner

The British Swimmers join Norman and John poolside

Some of Leicestershire’s Oldest Swimmers receiving their honours

Members of the ASA add their congratulations to the swimmers