The Tribune

ANDY Knowles attempted the Short Course metres world record in Masters swimming for his age group in late December last year.

The attempt was made to break the world record in the 400 and 1,500 metre freestyle in the 60-64 age group. The world record in the 400 free is held by Jack Groselle of the US in 4:35.15, and in the 1,500 free by Jim McConica of the US in 18:24.21.

Andy narrowly missed the 400m time with a 4:39.58 that ended up being the second fastest time in the world for 2015 and third fastest ever in the event for his age group.

His time of 19:07.20 in the 1,500 free was the second fastest in the world for 2015 behind Jack Groselle’s 18:54.07.

Also, Percy Knowles finished the year ( 2015) with the 5th fastest time for the year in the 200 metre breaststroke with a 5:26.72 in his age group - 80 to 85 years.

Percy and Andy, father and son, swim daily with the Swift Swimming Masters group at the St Andrew’s School pool.

The group consists of 40 Masters swimmers who train together on a consistent basis, with many of them having attended either the World Masters Swimming Championships or the US Masters National Swimming Championships.

A group of masters will be leaving in a few weeks to attend the US Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina.

This is the 10th US National Masters Swimming Championships that the Swift Masters have competed in.

Masters swimming, apart from a good form of exercise, is a great way to meet and fellowship with friends.