A team from Wincanton Swimming Club achieved outstanding success at the 2023 Royal Navy Masters Open meet held at Millfield School.

The event organised by the Royal Navy Swimming Association is open to Masters – swimmers over 18 – from across the UK, having become one of the leading events in the Masters swimming calendar.
Sixteen swimmers from Wincanton’s Masters squad attended the meet to compete for the Lindsay Lant Trophy.
The trophy, awarded to the most successful visiting club, holds particular meaning for Wincanton, as it is named after the Masters swimming world champion Lindsay Lant, a much-loved coach at Wincanton Swimming Club.
Lindsay’s daughter, Philippa, led Wincanton team at this year’s event.
She said: “It’s always a very emotional meet for us as Mum was not only a very successful Masters swimmer and a serving member of the Royal Navy, but was a dedicated coach for many years, giving her time and expertise to help all in the Masters community.
“I always encourage as many of Wincanton’s swimmers to compete at this event. This year, we were delighted that the team incorporated so many new club swimmers who wanted to be part of our fun and inclusive team.”
Wincanton’s swimmers put their all into the individual and relay events, coming away with 33 gold, 22 silver and 19 bronze medal places. Five Wincanton swimmers – Luke Elam, Philippa O’Grady, Adele Parham, Simon Emery and Paul Partington – also won overall best swimmer in their respective age groups.
Wincanton won the Top Visiting Team trophy by a huge 108-point margin.

Wincanton Swimming Club are celebrating 45 years of swimming success in the area. They are a Swim-England accredited club, with coach-led training sessions for Masters and Juniors held at Wincanton’s Sports Centre. Prospective members can visit www.wincantonswimmingclub.co.uk for contact details.