Local swimmer wins bronze at World Masters in Singapore

A Westbury resident has returned from the World Masters Swimming Championships in Singapore with a bronze medal.

Jane Snedden qualified for and competed in five events at the prestigious championships, which took place between 8th and 13th August. Among them was the 50m backstroke, where she clinched bronze in the 65 to 69-year-old age group, an achievement she describes as “amazing”.

“I was really delighted to come away with a medal,” said Jane, who swims for Warminster & District Amateur Swimming Club.

Podium spot

“I came in the top 10 in my other events, but the 50m backstroke was my last race – and to finish with a podium spot was just fantastic. It was incredible to go to the World Masters and to meet swimmers from all over the world.”

This was Jane’s first appearance at a World Masters event, although she is no stranger to competitive swimming. Having represented Warminster & District ASC at the Wiltshire Masters since 2008, Jane currently holds two county age-group records.

Earlier this summer, she also competed at the British Masters Meet at the iconic London Olympic Pool, winning two silver medals and a bronze.

Extra motivation

Jane trains regularly at both Warminster and Trowbridge Leisure Centres and turning 65 last year provided extra motivation to step up her training.

“When you move into a new age group, you think – this is an opportunity,” she said. “So I started training seriously again to get official qualifying times, and it all came together this year.”

Jane began swimming competitively as a child, competing for various counties as her family moved around. Since settling in Wiltshire, she returned to sport in her 40s and began competing again in the Masters competitions.

“Swimming is a fantastic sport and I was delighted when I discovered Masters swimming which allows you to compete at an older age. It’s given me the chance to compete nationally and internationally and to represent my local club on an international stage.”

Pictured: Jane poolside at the World Masters