The Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi brought together more than 25,000 Masters athletes representing over 90 nationalities, competing in 38 different sports. Among them were seven Spencer swimmers who achieved an amazing medal count of 18 golds and 13 silvers.
The event kicked off with the Open Water Swimming, on Hudayirat Island, with perfect conditions and a water temperature of 21 degrees. Michael Read and Jamie McKay were competing in the 5k and won gold and silver respectively, while Tony Cherrington and Alan Parkins both won gold in the 2.5k and Amanda Heath took silver in the 1.5k.
On to the pool events, where everyone medalled in all their events, with some great swims.
Individual Race Results
Michael Read – 85+ age group
GOLD 5k, 400m, 800m free and 200m & 400m IM, SILVER 100m, 200m free
Tony Cherrington – 80+ age group
GOLD 2.5K 50m, 100m, 200m 400m free
Alan Parkins – 65+ age group
GOLD 2.5k, 50m, 100m back, 100m fly, SILVER 800m free, 200m back
Jamie McKay – 40+ age group
SILVER 5k
Ivan Nechunaev – 35+ age group
GOLD 50m free (lifetime best of 24.16), 50m fly, SILVER 100m free, 100m fly
Amanda Heath – 65+ age group
GOLD 200m breaststroke, 400m IM, SILVER 1.5k, 50m, 100m breaststroke, 200m IM
Esther Iseppi – 65+ age group
SILVER 100m fly, 200m breast
This was an amazing achievement for Esther, as she slipped and fell the evening before the pool events, badly injuring her wrist. 3 days later, she was able to race tentatively, starting in the water and having to work hard to catch the rest of the field. Sadly, she had to miss her other events.
The event presentation was extremely professional, with competitors announced individually as they walked out from the call room, and the medal presentations were highly choreographed.
Media Coverage
The media were keen to record stories from competitors, with Spencer swimmers featuring in some of the videos shared during the event and on social media. Check out some of the videos below by clicking the links.
Spencer Swimmer’s Stories (video)
The Masters Games are quite different from other International Masters swimming events, encouraging athletes of all abilities from around the world to unite in competition and friendship. The medals were truly stunning and the message on the medal box inspirational: “Wellness is the real victory”.
Read more about International Masters Games Events here:
Athletes are encouraged to participate in, watch and support other sports and one of the highlights was a trip to the camel race track (to spectate, not race!)
