West Norfolk Swimming Club’s Nathan Wells breaks 15-year-old record at the Norfolk Masters Championship Gala in Norwich

The Norfolk Masters Championship Gala was an electrifying event that drew in swimmers from all over Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. The West Norfolk Swimming Club was well-represented, with 18 talented swimmers competing in various age groups, ranging from 18 to 78 years old. The competition was fierce, but the West Norfolk swimmers rose to the challenge, showcasing their impressive skills and determination. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the swimmers took to the 25m pool, pushing themselves to their limits and achieving some truly remarkable results. For the West Norfolk Swimming Club, the event was a resounding success, with numerous medals and personal best times being achieved. The club’s swimmers demonstrated their prowess in a range of events, from the 50m freestyle to the 100m individual medley, and their hard work and dedication paid off in a big way.
One of the standout performers of the event was Nathan Wells, a 27-year-old member of the West Norfolk Swimming Club. Wells achieved an incredible feat, breaking the East Region record in the 25-29 age group 100m individual medley. This record had stood since 2010, making Wells’ achievement all the more remarkable. The record-breaking swim was a highlight of the event, and it cemented Wells’ position as one of the top swimmers in the region. Wells’ success was not limited to this one event, however, as he went on to win a total of four gold medals, including the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and 72+ male medley relay. His impressive performance was a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
In addition to Wells’ record-breaking swim, the West Norfolk Swimming Club enjoyed significant success in the skins event. The skins event is a thrilling and unpredictable competition, in which the top ten male and female swimmers from the 100m individual medley compete over 25m distances, with the stroke for each race being pulled out of a hat. The competition is high-pressure, with the losing swimmer from each race being eliminated until a winner is determined. The West Norfolk Swimming Club dominated the event, with five male swimmers lining up against just three others. The club’s 50-year-old member, Phil Baxter, was the oldest qualifier for the skins, demonstrating that age is no barrier to success in the sport. In the end, Wells emerged victorious, followed closely by Rhys Burrell and Sam Rose, with Harvey Isle and Baxter rounding out the top five. The club’s success in the skins event was a testament to the strength and depth of its membership.
The West Norfolk Swimming Club’s success was not limited to the pool, as three of its members were awarded their prestigious County colours gold awards during the event. Sam Rose, Lucy Rodwell, and Robert Addis were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the sport, having represented the county in excess of six times. The awards were presented by SE Norfolk president and WNSC secretary Lois Addis, who praised the winners for their dedication and commitment to the sport. The awards ceremony was a touching moment, as the swimmers were acknowledged for their hard work and achievements. The County colours gold awards are a significant honor, and the West Norfolk Swimming Club is proud to have so many talented and dedicated swimmers among its membership.
The West Norfolk Swimming Club’s success at the Norfolk Masters Championship Gala was a team effort, with numerous swimmers contributing to the club’s overall performance. In the 18-24 male age group, Sam Rose, Rhys Burrell, and Harvey Isle all achieved impressive results, with Rose winning gold in the 100m individual medley and silver in the 50m freestyle, Burrell winning gold in the 72+ male medley relay, 50m breaststroke, and silver in the 72+ male freestyle relay, and Isle winning gold in the 72+ male medley relay and 50m backstroke. In the 18-24 female age group, Molly Lee, Abigail Nicholson, and Libby Collins all competed strongly, with Lee winning bronze in the 50m breaststroke, Nicholson winning silver in the 50m backstroke, and Collins finishing fourth in the 72+ female medley relay. The club’s swimmers demonstrated their versatility and skill, competing in a range of events and achieving some truly impressive results.
The West Norfolk Swimming Club’s performance at the Norfolk Masters Championship Gala was a resounding success, with numerous medals, personal best times, and a record-breaking swim from Nathan Wells. The club’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its members, who have demonstrated their commitment to the sport and their passion for competition. The event was a thrilling and unpredictable competition, with the West Norfolk Swimming Club emerging as one of the top-performing teams. As the club looks to the future, it is clear that its members will continue to push themselves to new heights, striving for excellence and pursuing their passion for the sport. With its talented and dedicated membership, the West Norfolk Swimming Club is sure to remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of swimming. The club’s success is a source of pride for its members, and it will undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate them to achieve their goals and pursue their dreams. Whether competing at the local, regional, or national level, the West Norfolk Swimming Club is a team to watch, and its members are sure to make a splash in the years to come.