DARWEN swimmers featured in the 1999 Great Britain Masters Championships traditionally held over a 50-metre (long course).

The championships were held in Coventry and four local swimmers climbed the medal rostrum. Leading the way was Sandra O'Neil who was unbeaten in age group 50 to 54 years, but her best swim came in the 1500m freestyle when she lowered her own British and European record by five seconds to record 22mins 17.09secs. She collected six other championship titles.

Also wearing gold with pride was Peter Tucker, who won the 800 and 1500m freestyle in age group 65 to 69 years. In addition he picked up bronze medals in three other freestyle races.

Tough competition in the ladies 65 to 69 years saw Barbara Morton coming away without a gold medal, but her tally amounted to five silver and one bronze. A delighted Pamela Blackwell finished in the top ten and collected bronze for a spirited swim in the 800m freestyle 35 to 39 years age group.

Meanwhile, Garry Vickers swimming in the 30 to 34 years age group, and Graham Croxson in the 50 to 54 category, also had to settle for top 10 places. Garry was fifth in the 200m medley and ninth in the 100m freestyle, while Graham competed in just the one-length freestyle, where he came seventh.

Full results: Garry Vickers (30-34) 200m i/m (5) 2.48.47, 100m f/s (9) 1.05.21; Pamela Blackwell (35-39) 800m f/s (3) 12.33.28, 50m back (9) 42.64, 200m i/m (9) 3.08.90; Sandra O'Neil (50-54) 100m back (1) 1.22.81, 200m back (1) 2.59.05, 200m i/m (1) 2.57.88, 200m f/s (1) 2.39.41, 400m f/s (1) 5.37.77, 800m f/s (1) 11.39.00, 1500m f/s (1) 22.17.09 (GB/European record); Graham Croxson (50-54) 50m f/s (7) 31.98; Peter Tucker (65-69) 800m f/s (1) 13.33.78, 1500m f/s (1) 26.01.85, 100m f/a (3) 1.18.87, 200m f/s (3) 3.01.13, 400m f/s (3) 6.31.28; Barbara Morton (65-69) 50m breast (2) 53.14, 200m breast (2) 4.33.3, 100m back (2) 1.54.05, 200m back (2) 4.13.55, 200m i/m (2) 4.34.39, 50m back (3) 53.57, 50m f/s (4) 45.67.

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