Glossop swimmers excel in national competition

Swimmers from Glossop Amateur Swimming Club (GASC) are celebrating a remarkable achievement. 

Four club members recently landed medals after taking part in the British Long Distance Swimming Association’s (BLDSA) One Hour Swim Challenge. 

The nationwide event sees swimmers record their total distance across 60 minutes of swimming, and bid to become the best in the UK in their age categories. 

The annual competition can be tackled by anyone in the country - all that’s needed is access to a pool and a couple of poolside volunteers, who record the time and distance. 

Several members of GASC take part each year, but in a first for the club, all four swimmers that took part came away with silverware. 

After several recent second place finishes, Jeroen Peters finally raced to victory in the 60-64 category with an astonishing 159 lengths, making him the UK’s number one in his age group. 

Elsewhere, Martin Harrison picked up second in the 30-34 category, with an equally impressive 158 lengths. 

Finally, there were bronze medals for both Matt Kieras (45-49) and Annabel White (20-24), who finished third after swimming 158 and 131 lengths respectively. 

As well as enjoying individual success, GASC also excelled on the team front, with their men’s side also picking up gold in the Open Team competition, with a combined distance of 11,750 metres. 

Following the achievement, gold medal winning club member – and Chair of Masters for Swim England – Jeroen Peters, told the Chronicle:

 “This was a great result for a small, local swimming club and could only have been achieved due to the support of the entire coaching team. All are volunteers and helped the swimmers to get ready for their achievements. 

“Both the club and Glossop Pool were extremely supportive. Both Emily and Lynda Furmston, both volunteer coaches at the club, gave up their time counting the lengths and keeping time. And Andrew, the Pool Manager at MyActive in Glossop, kindly supported the event by allowing us to complete the swim beyond the usual closing time.” 

Glossop Amateur Swimming Club offer memberships for a range of age groups, with swimmers of all abilities encouraged to try out. 

For more information, visit: https://glossopasc.co.uk/