Athletes from around the North West region continued their impressive series of summer results, with further outstanding performances at this year’s 2026 Swim England National Open Water Age Group Championships and Swim England Open Water National Masters Championships 2026. These two competitions, took place at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July respectively.
For the Age Group swimmers, qualification to compete, had been through either a 1500m pool qualifying time or by qualifying through their respective Regional Open Water Championships in the lead up to the event. The North West were well represented, and displayed a high level of success in Open Water Swimming. Competing in demanding conditions against some of the country’s leading distance swimmers, athletes demonstrated the determination, resilience and race tactics that make open water such a unique discipline.
Representing eight North West clubs, a total of 37 swimmers competed at the national championships, achieving 9 podium finishes, including 2 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals.
🏅 2 Gold
🥈 4 Silver
🥉 3 Bronze
🏆 9 Total Podiums
👥 37 Swimmers
🏊 8 Clubs Represented
City of Liverpool SC were the region’s standout club, securing five national medals and demonstrating exceptional strength across the age groups.
2 Gold | 2 Silver | 1 Bronze
🥇 Albion Dobrushi
Open 13 Category Champion
Time: 40:47
🥇 Thomas Rickels
Open 15 Category Champion
Time: 1:07:32
🥈 Ella Lambert
Female 13 Category
Time: 44:57
🥈 Ethan Kelly
Open 17/18 Category
Time: 1:25:26
🥉 Kate Roberts
Female 17/18 Category
Time: 1:36:28
The club also recorded strong performances from Madison Rens, who finished 4th in the Female 19+ category, alongside impressive swims from James Dixon, Flynn Robinson, Ollie Lambert, Mia Robinson, Jacob Irving, Martha Baxter and William Stamper.
Warrington Warriors SC enjoyed an excellent championship, collecting three podium finishes.
2 Silver | 1 Bronze
🥈 Ethan Craven
Open 13 Category
Time: 40:51
🥈 Leo Craven
Open 14 Category
Time: 1:10:41
🥉 Isla Perry
Female 13 Category
Time: 44:57
The club’s strong team performance was completed by Edward McDonald and Anujin Unur, who both gained valuable national championship experience.
Wigan Best SC added another national medal to the North West tally through an excellent performance from Olivia Knox.
1 Bronze
🥉 Olivia Knox
Female 15 Category
Time: 1:12:30
The club also enjoyed strong results from Will Nicholls, Matthew Sawers, Alivia Cutter and Sophie Willitts, all contributing to another successful national appearance.
While podium places rightly attract attention, numerous North West swimmers delivered excellent performances and narrowly missed out on medals.
The Swim England Open Water Age Group Championships once again highlighted the growing strength of open water swimming across the North West. From national champions to first-time championship competitors, swimmers demonstrated the resilience, tactical awareness and endurance required to excel in one of the most demanding disciplines in aquatics.
These achievements are a reflection of the commitment shown by athletes, coaches, clubs, volunteers and families throughout the region. Their continued dedication is helping create opportunities for swimmers to develop and succeed on the national stage.
Congratulations to every swimmer, coach and club involved in a fantastic championship and another successful national campaign for the North West. 🌊🏊♂️🏆
The region’s success continued at the Swim England Masters Open Water Championships, where North West athletes secured multiple national medals across a wide range of age groups.
1 Gold | 2 Silver
City of Chester enjoyed a superb championships with three podium finishes.
🏅 Amber Hughes
🥈 Emma Sharpe
🥈 Jane Nunn
1 Gold | 1 Silver
Preston’s standout performer was Michael Peacock, who secured two national medals.
🏅 Gold – Open 35-39 Category
🥈 Silver – Open 35-39 Category
An exceptional achievement demonstrating his versatility across multiple open water events.
2 Silver | 1 Bronze
🥈 Rebecca Lennon
🥉 Aimee Smith
The club also recorded strong performances from Kathy Wellam and Roy Barry.
🥉 Harry Collins (Chorley Marlins SC)
Bronze Medal – Open 25-29 Category
🥉 Caroline Evans (Nantwich Seals SC)
Bronze Medal – Female 40-44 Category
🥉 Scarlett Aspinall (Southport SC)
Bronze Medal – Female 18-24 Category
🥉 Ethan Nevett (Stretford SC)
Bronze Medal – Open 18-24 Category
Winsford Swimming Club’s Lucy Lee also delivered a commendable performance in the Female 45-49 category, adding to the region’s strong representation across the championships.
Open water swimming is one of the most demanding disciplines within aquatics, requiring endurance, tactical awareness and the ability to perform in unpredictable conditions. The results achieved by North West swimmers across both championships are a testament to the hard work of athletes, coaches, clubs and support teams throughout the region.
Congratulations to every swimmer, coach, official, volunteer and supporter who contributed to another successful national championships campaign. The performances in the water continue to demonstrate the growing strength of open water swimming across the North West and provide exciting foundations for future success.
Full Swim England report and results – National Open Water Age Group Championships can be found here
Full Swim England report and results – National Open Water Masters Championships can be found here
