Warwickshire ended Yorkshire’s three-year winning streak as they triumphed in the prestigious Swim England National Masters Inter-County Competition 2021.
The last edition of the event was held in 2019 and saw Yorkshire take top spot, continuing its recent dominance.
Warwickshire were the runners-up on that occasion but came out victorious this year ahead of Yorkshire.
Warwickshire’s strength shone through in the relay events where they picked up a staggering 17 first and second-place finishes.
The men’s side took home the titles in both the 4x50m Medley Relay (140 Years+) and the 4x50m Freestyle Relay (180 Years+).
On the women’s side, they came out triumphant in the 4x50m Medley Relay in the 72 Years+, 140 years+, 180 Years+, and 220 Years+ categories as well as winning the 4x50m Freestyle Relay in the 140 Years+, 180 Years+ and 220 Years+ age groups.
Among the individual winners were Mike Ireland in the Men’s 55 Years + 50m Backstroke with a time of 32.66. In the same event for the 18 Years + age group, Leo Sarigins touched home first in 26.10.
James Wardle won gold in the Men’s 50m Butterfly (35 Years+) with a time of 25.12 while another sprint finish from Robert Robson saw him taking the win in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke (45 Years+) in 31.36.
‘Unqualified success’
Four venues across Huddersfield, Coventry, High Wycombe, and Millfield hosted the championships and saw swimmers taking part in a total of 72 events.
Chair of the Swim England Masters Working Group, Jeroen Peters, said of the event: “After a Covid-enforced absence of 24 months, it was wonderful to see the return of the Masters Inter-county event.
“Unfortunately, Covid still cast a shadow over the event and not all counties were therefore represented.
“However, despite this, the event was an unqualified success with some amazing performances and incredibly close results.
“It shows that the Masters Inter-counties matters to many swimmers. Congratulations to the winners and I look forward to next year when I am sure, all 33 counties will be back taking part in this prestigious Swim England event.”