OKEHAMPTON Otters masters swimming section entered the largest team in this year?s Devon masters championships.

The team has gradually increased year by year and this one follows on from last year?s successes.

In total, there were 14 competitors, swimming in age groups from 19 to 24 years up to 65 plus in five-year age brackets. Two of the younger swimmers competing were David Dennis and Robert Aubry. Between them they wrapped up the 19-24 years? age group by winning two championship swims apiece.

David swam to victory in the 50m breaststroke and the 4x25m individual medley while Robert won the 50m freestyle and butterfly. In those events David swam to second place in the fly and Robert third at the breaststroke.

Jackie Jarvis, who has just started to get back into the sport, also became a champion in the 45-49 years? 50m backstroke. She also backed that swim with two third places in the free and breast events.

NIgel West faired well by gaining three second places in the 35-39 years? age group. These swims were the im, breast and fly.

Nick Bowles and Paul Hammett competed against each other in the 40-44 years? age group. Both swam to a couple of third places, Nick in the fly and im and Paul in the back and breast.

Sue Walker was not going to miss the medal spree. She gained two third places in the 35-39 years? age group, swimming the breast and free.

Sue Wonnacott swam to a third place in the 35-39 years? free. The last third places came from Jane Jachnik and Alison Kimber. Both swam in the breaststroke events in the 40-44 and 50-54 groups respectfully.

The remaining results were, Nick Bowles back, breast and free all fourth places, Kevin Jones; back, breast and free all fifth places, David Meardon; breast and free both in sixth place, Nick Bradley, breast fourth, free sixth and im sixth, Alison Kimber fly fourth, im fifth, Robert Ewen breast sixth.

Because of the size of the team, eight relays were swam. The results were two third places for the male A team and two fourths for the B team. The 180+ male team were both swum in fourth place. The ladies swam to a fourth in the freestyle relay.

Personal best times were attained by David Meardon, Robert Aubry (2), Nick Bowles (2), Paul Hammett, Jane Jachnik, Nick Bradley, Sue Walker, David Dennis and Sue Wonnacott.

The results show it is never too late to start swimming as a sport. There are new members joining the Otters all the time.