Reading SC runs a thriving Masters section for swimmers 19 and upwards. Although not all members compete, many who do are a force at national level in the various age categories.
The Welsh Open at Swansea's National Pool is one of the season's highlights, and this year attracted swimmers from as far afield as Portugal and Sweden as well as all over the UK. Coach Gordon Carmichael's Reading squad returned with 44 medals – 19 gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze.
Dave Stannard dominated his 35-39 age group's freestyle programme, taking all five golds from 50 metres up to 800 as well as the 200 breaststroke.
Nigel Salsbury starred with four golds in his year, in the longest distance via the 1500 free and all three backstroke distances.
Carole Eyles was also a 200 breaststroke winner, as well as taking her 400 IM gold. Iain Gerrard won his 50 fly. Further individual wins came from Lucy Roper and Mark Barlow (1500 free), Sarah Fitzgerald (400 free) and Kevin Chetwynd (50 free), as well as the mixed freestyle and men's medley relay teams.
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