Ross-on-Wye swimmer, Don Leatherbarrow, had great success in the British Masters National short course championships, held at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, from October, 26th to October 28th.

Swimming with the Gloucester Masters Club mixed relay team, Don set a new European record of 2 minutes and 14.2 seconds.

Don swam in seven individual events over three days, and he achieved gold medals in all of them. In addition to this success, Don set new five British records in the 80-84 age group.

Some of the individual events that Don competed in included the 1500m free stroke, the 50m breast stroke, and the 50m free stroke

Don told the Ross Gazette: “I’ve had an amazing year, Sheffield being the last major event of the year, but I have been selected by Gloucestershire, to swim in the inter counties South est region at Millfield, Somerset on Sunday, November 18th. I’ve had the good fortune to set 18 new British Masters records and also two European relay records with my club.

“I have to say that I am really grateful to Halo Leisure, who helped me get the training award this year, enabling me to work out in the gym on my upper body strength, as well as increased pool time.

“It’s made a big difference to my performance this year, as I normally only have the swimming membership. Thank you Halo, especially all your lovely people at Ross.”

Don continued to tell the Ross Gazette how people frequently approach him at the swimming pool to ask for advice about technique, or specific strokes, like butterfly. He said: “I love to help people and always do when I can. I hope to encourage as many people as possible to take up sports like swimming.”

Don believes that some of his times may have even broken world records. He is looking to submit his achievements to the Guinness World Records.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.