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Barton steals the show

28/10/2003

AQUABEARS Masters swimmer Rachel Barton deservedly stole the show on the final day of action in the National Masters Championships, in Sheffield with two new world records in the Ponds Forge pool.

Barton, who last swam in Yorkshire seven years ago, shone to clock 35.15 secs in the women's 50m backstroke final for her 55-59 years age group and then powered her way to the 100m backstroke crown with an impressive time of 1 min 19.47 secs.

The 55-year-old, who nearly didn't go to the championships after a bout of 'flu had left her bed-ridden, beat Lynne Tanner from Witney to win her first gold on a memorable day, and was then too good for Tanner at her favoured longer distance of 100m.

"That's the best I've swam for years," said a delighted Barton, who also set a new British and European records en route to both of her titles.

"I was aiming to break the British record, but to break the other two records as well was amazing."

And success was extra sweet for Barton, who lost her goggles in the 1,500m freestyle competition and wasn't able to continue.

"I wanted to make up for that disappintment," added Barton, a former junior international.

"I've been quite ill, but I wanted to do well in the 1,500m, so I'm happy to have put that behind me."