At the end of the June heatwave the inaugural Dorset Masters Open Meet 2026 was held at Dorchester Sports Centre, and the action in the pool was as hot as the weather. Kirsty Johnson from Bracknell & Wokingham SC was on fire as she set a new Masters World Record in the Female 45-49 years 50m Backstroke in a creditable time of 29.32 – incredible to watch and the atmosphere on the poolside was electric!
This is the third year running that notable records have been broken at Dorset Masters competitions, which are all held at Dorchester. Once again in blistering weather, in 2025 Jo Corben of South Down Trojans set a new British Record in the Female 55-59 years 100 Individual Medley, and Bridgend’s Garfield Thomas set three new Welsh Records for Male 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle (85-89 yrs), while in 2024 Kirsty Johnson (Bracknell & Wokingham) set two British Masters Records for 50m and 100m Backstroke (40-44 years).
Over 100 swimmers from 32 clubs from all over the country took part at the 2026 meet, which incorporated Dorset County Masters Championships, with the youngest swimmer 19 years of age and the eldest 84, and half of the competitors coming from Dorset clubs. Dorset’s own Masters swimmers were also not to be outdone. There was a total of 56 new Dorset Masters CBTs which was up on last year’s total of 50.
By just three points, Seagulls Masters won the Dorset Top Team Trophy for the second year running which was presented by Dorset President, Nigel Gallimore. Sincere thanks go to Poole and Seagulls Swimming Clubs for running a highly successful meet!