Swim Herts Masters Gala – 28 June 2026:
Event Report & Highlights
The Herts Masters Gala on 28 June delivered everything we love about Masters swimming: fast racing, fierce but friendly competition, and a brilliant atmosphere from first event to last relay. With swimmers ranging from 18 to over 80, the meet showcased the depth, strength, and spirit of Masters clubs across the county.
Standout Performances
Hatfield: dominance in the younger age groups
Hatfield had strong representation across the programme, particularly in the sprint events, and they also fielded one of the most senior competitors of the gala. Chris Dunn, aged 80, raced in the 80 to 84 category and added real depth to Hatfield’s presence across the age groups.
St Albans Masters: depth, consistency, and huge points haul
St Albans didn’t just win the Top Club trophy – they dominated it, finishing with 596 points, more than double second place. Their strength came from:
- Relays: wins in the Mixed 160+ Medley, Female 140+ Free, and multiple podiums across team events.
- A conveyor belt of age‑group wins from Alison Binns, Emily Summers, Lisa Randall, Belinda McGinley, David Roberts, Jonathan Gooding, and more.
After Eight: small squad, big impact
After Eight punched well above their numbers:
- Women’s 165+ Free Relay champions in 1:12.54.
- Multiple age‑group wins from Danielle White, Jacqueline Sayers, Heather Edwards, and Greg Simpson.
Tring: powerful swims from the younger Masters
Tring’s younger swimmers delivered some of the meet’s most exciting races:
- Verity Billingham took the 50 Back in 73.
- Morgan Slade had a busy programme with strong finishes in IM, Breast, Fly, and Free.
Hemel Hempstead: standout veteran swims
Hemel’s older age groups shone:
- Beverlee McKenna completed a clean sweep in the 60–64 category 50s
- Kevin Timmons delivered a sharp 11 in the 60–64 Men’s 50 Free.
Potters Bar: strong showing from their senior Masters
- Ian Bays completed a clean sweep of the 75–79 category 50s
- Yvonne Tomey also picked up wins in the 75–79 women’s categories.
🔥 Fastest Swims of the Gala (All Ages)
(Now correctly including Backstroke & Breaststroke)
Open/Male
- 50 Free: 42 – Liam Rumball (Hatfield)
- 50 Fly: 38 – Lucas Dyson‑Diaz (Hatfield)
- 50 Back: 83 – William Poynton (After Eight)
- 50 Breast: 17 – Joseph Richardson (St Albans)
- 100 IM: 1:01.48 – Ben Davison (Hatfield)
Women
- 50 Free: 15 – Katie Jeffrey (Hatfield)
- 50 Fly: 54 – Alison Binns (St Albans)
- 50 Back: 83 – Alison Binns (St Albans)
- 50 Breast: 10 – Caitlin Hartley (Hatfield)
- 100 IM: 1:09.52 – Caitlin Hartley (Hatfield)
🏆 Relays: The Big Moments
Fastest relay of the meet
- Hatfield Men 165+ Free Relay – 43
Closest relay finish
- Female 072+ Medley Relay
- Tring: 2:21.03
- St Albans: 2:21.97 Margin: 94 seconds
Most dominant relay win
- Hatfield Men 072+ Medley Relay – 1:39.54
Top Club Standings
- St Albans Masters – 596 points
- After Eight – 297 points
- Hatfield – 260 points
- Hemel Hempstead – 187 points
- Tring – 143 points
A Huge Thank You
A Masters gala only works because of the people who give their time, energy, and expertise so a heartfelt thank you to:
- Every swimmer, from first‑time Masters competitors to those returning after years away.
- All officials, timekeepers, judges, referees, and volunteers who kept the meet running smoothly and professionally.
- And a very special thank you to Louise, whose calm control, organisation, and leadership kept the entire event on track from start to finish.
