Nine of the best clocked by Asher

COMPETITORS from six different countries battled it out for top spot at another hugely successful Guernsey Swimming Club Open International Masters' Meet. More than 180 flew in from outside the Channel Islands for the 15th event, but organiser John Eyre is still at a loss to explain its popularity.

Swimmers from the USA, Spain, Switzerland, England, Wales and Jersey all made their way here at their own expense.

'I am always intrigued why everyone keeps on coming back. It must cost them a fortune. But it has been a splendid weekend once again,' he said.

The first American ever to compete at the event, John Mangrum, arrived on Friday, competed that evening and over the weekend and dashed back to the United States the next morning.

'It really was a flying visit but he had a fantastic time, he was over the moon with the weekend. He spent 20 minutes in the sea, too - it must have been freezing for him coming from North Carolina,' said Eyre.

At 75, Jane Asher broke records in each of the nine events in which she swam.

But elsewhere they were hard to come by and only Carol Fellows, at 60, set a new British record in the 400m freestyle and a new world one in the 200m individual medley.

Asher, who swims for Kings Cormorants, set new world records in the 100m and 50m freestyle, the 100m and 200m individual medley and the 100m and 50m butterfly, new British marks in the 400m freestyle and 50m backstroke and a new European record in the 200m butterfly.

Fellow Cormorant Terry Wright won the accolade of top male swimmer on a points basis, while Esther Iseppi, of AMT Zurich, won the women's title. Both scored maximum points from their 10 swims.

Runners-up were Nick Hunt, of Chelmsford, and Georgie Hamilton, of Barnet Copthall. Guernsey club coach Jo Winberg came in equal third.

Former Commonwealth Games competitor Tim Lowe did well in a very high-class field to finish seventh and place as the highest-ranking Guernseyman.

The Guernsey Swimming Club were the top one, gaining 2,706 points, but with a record number of swimmers - 32 in all - that was to be expected.

Of the visitors, Shrewsbury topped the points with 1,654, Diss Otters came in second with 1,598 and third were Cardiff on 1,497.

Masters swimming really took off in the 1970s when former elite athletes in the United States organised various events.

Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and the UK alone can boast more than 400 Masters clubs and 5,000 members.

The Guernsey event is ranked as one of the finest in the British Isles.

'I think it is the atmosphere, really. There is always lots of banter, it is competitive and so sociable. It is great to get everyone together,' said Eyre.

'There really is nothing similar in the UK.

'It is unique. Our Sunday lunch with everyone after the event is great and there were 50 to 60 people to take part in the sea swim at Cobo Bay. It is just a lovely weekend.'

Competitors' ages ranged from 19 to 83.

'It is wonderful being fit and healthy and it is an important part of Masters swimming.'

The popularity of the Guernsey event looks set to continue, with several teams booking their accommodation for next year while still in the island.