Swindon Dolphin Masters on Top of the World

Back (L-R) Chris Jones, Nigel Masters & Andi Manley. Front (L-R) Jon Audis & Steve Cryer

Swindon Dolphin is making a real impact in the world of Masters swimming with five swimmers named in the top three for their age and event in the current FINA Masters World Rankings.

Chris Jones (25) and Jon Audis (26) are now both ranked number one in the world in the 25-29 year age group, for their respective events, a feat never achieved before in the history of the Milton Road based club.

Jones, currently the British Champion for the 100 metres Breaststroke, also made his mark on the masters rankings with lifetime best performances, including a new world record in his age group, for the 200 metre breaststroke distance.

Team mate Audis, has improved tremendously throughout the year, and his number one ranking in the 50 and 100 metres backstroke is testament to his hard work and dedication.

Dolphin Chief Coach Andi Manley reached an incredible world ranking of two in the men’s 100 metre freestyle event (25-29 years). Manley, now 30 years old, has moved to a new age group, so expectations are even higher for the next 12 months.

Dolphin Swimming Development Officer Steve Cryer posted a career best ranking moving from number four to number two in the world, in the men’s 200 metres Breaststroke (40-44 years). The 42 year old is still able to swim with the best masters in the world, and with the improvements made this season, is eager to make an assault on the number one position.

Nigel Masters (36) also cemented his place in Swindon Dolphin history, with a wonderful number three ranking in the men’s 200 metres Breaststroke in the 35-39 year age group.

Altogether, these five Dolphin swimmers recorded top 10 ranking on 16 occasions this season, and it was particularly pleasing that all the major performances were completed in long course or Olympic size pools.

Moreover, it is very impressive how they manage to combine up to ten pool sessions and four gym workouts a week with their other commitments.

Swindon Dolphin masters will be in the hunt for medals, and will make an onslaught on British, European and World records at the European Masters Swimming Championships in Slovenia in August.