Congratulations to all athletes who participated in the SENW Masters Championships 2026 last weekend.
The Masters Winter Regional championships held at Blackpool Palatine pool on Saturday 21st February were a great success with over 250 swimmers competing from 55 different clubs. The standard of swimming was exceptional once again with no fewer than 10 British records, 2 European records and a world record being being set during the day.
British records fell in impressive fashion as Dan Mills set a new mark in the 35–39 age group 400m freestyle, touching in 4:02.54. Louisa Zolkiewski added to the record haul with a British record of 1:03.50 in the 30–34 100m backstroke, before returning to lower the 50m backstroke British record to 28.85.
The exceptional women’s team from Harrogate, comprising Phillipa Rickard, Julie Hoyle, Jo Beardsworth and Karen Graham, broke British records in the 240+ 4×100m and 4×50m freestyle relays with times of 4:31.97 and 2:03.10. They then went one better in the 4×100m medley relay, smashing both the British and European records in 5:11.25.
In the 65–69 women’s category, Judy Pearson set new British and European records in the 200m individual medley with an outstanding 2:52.65.
Octogenarian Neill Mackinnon, newly entered into the 85–89 age group, continued the record-breaking streak. He set British records in the 50m breaststroke (49.06) and 50m freestyle (34.21), and added British, European, and World records in the 50m butterfly with a remarkable 39.88—making him the first person in history in this age category to break the 40-second barrier.
The 240+ male open team from Novio Cymru set a new Welsh record in the 4×100m medley relay with an impressive time of 5:50.86. The top male swimmer award was presented to Trafford Metro’s Neil Mackinnon, while the top female award went to the ladies’ team from Harrogate.
Top club honours once again went to Trafford Metro.
Photos courtesy of Trafford Metro
The Masters Regional Summer Meet will return to the same venue in Blackpool on Saturday, 19 September.
The Directors of Swim England North West Limited, along with the Regional Office staff, would like to extend their sincere thanks to Bob Bolton and the Events Management Group for their hard work in making the event a success.
For all the results please click here
A special mention goes to all the officials and volunteers who supported the 2026 Championships.
Your dedication ensures that these events run smoothly and that our athletes have the best possible experience.
The Region could not host these competitions without the incredible support of every individual involved.
If you are interested in volunteering at one of our regional events, please email swimnorthwest@swimming.org to be added to our volunteer register.
