#210: Masters Swimming at it’s Best: Sheffield ’26 Review with Bob Bolton

Records, age-defying swims and a fantastic atmosphere — the National Masters Short Course Championships in Sheffield, 23-25 October, had it all!

Host Helen Gorman is joined by Bob Bolton, coach at Trafford Masters, member of the Masters Working Group and President of Swim England’s North West region, to review the action. We’ve also got mini-interviews with swimmers captured poolside as our roving microphones went in search of their thoughts on the meet.

We look back at some of the many record-breaking swims, the standout performances, incredible relays and athletes proving that age is no barrier - including Helen Jenkins, who set her very first British Record at the age of 80!

We celebrate individual world record-breakers Fleur Turner and Kirsty Johnson, and catch up with Dan Mills, who joined us for our preview show with a target of breaking the European Record in the 400m freestyle. Did he deliver?

Bob also explains how the scoring works behind the top club award, as Trafford Masters retained their title for an incredible fifth consecutive year. He highlights some of the performances that helped them come out on top once again.

A huge thank you to all the officials and volunteers who make this championship one of the best Masters meets in the world. And thanks to everyone who took the time to speak to us: Fleur Turner, Michelle Ware, Nicola Latty, Ben Winter, Jo Corbin, Aaron Francis, Verity Dobbie, John Wood, Kirsty Johnson, Mike Hodgson, Allie Price, Kath Tunnicliffe and Dan Mills.

Sit back and relive the highlights of Sheffield 2026!

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