We have over thirty swimmers in our Masters squad; the youngest in their early twenties and the oldest in their sixties. None of them have any intention of giving up any time soon - they all have personal goals they’re working towards. Here are a few of our swimmers explaining why they swim - and why they enjoy being part of the squad as opposed to ploughing up and down public lanes on their own.

Chris O.

How long have you been swimming?

I learnt to swim aged 4 and swam until 19. I had 37 years off then began again aged 56. I’ve been back in the water for 10 years.

Why do you swim - what are your personal goals?

I swim firstly to stay alive. Before I started Masters 10 years ago I was overweight and in ill health. One of those 2 have improved.

My personal goal is to make top 10 in any event at World Masters championships.

What surprised you most about swimming with the Masters squad?

The bravery of the ice and ultra distance swimmers always surprises me. Pure insanity.

Kristian

How long have you been swimming?

According to Strava 449km recorded since joining!  Seriously I started swimming as a child competed until I was 16 then focused on life-guarding and teaching. 

Why do you swim - what are your personal goals?

I restarted swimming because my child competes for Deepings and he asked me to give it a try for his Christmas present. 

I stayed because the friendly environment at the club it is very addictive. I find swimming is a great way to improve as an individual in a team environment; every little change feels like a win to be celebrated.

What surprised you most about swimming with the Masters squad?

The variety and experience and knowledge of all the swimmers and how everybody is welcoming to any ability. Also, the support and acceptance of when life gets in the way.

Chris J.

How long have you been swimming?

I first competed in 1977 & reached the Nationals a few times in the 80’s. Then “life happened”. 

After 36 years away from training I joined Deepings in 2024.

Why do you swim - what are your personal goals?

I first returned to swimming  to help with my wellbeing & mental health after some really tough years. I got a bit fitter, got a bit faster and decided to compete .

My goal is just to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible through swimming .

The discipline gives me routine & structure .

What surprised you most about swimming with the Masters squad?

Masters swimmers are a  very welcoming & supportive bunch, but the humour is absolutely terrible.

Helen

How long have you been swimming?

I swam for a club as a child but hadn’t trained properly for many years until I started swimming regularly in the summer of 2025. I joined the welcoming, friendly and encouraging Masters in November that year.

Why do you swim - what are your personal goals?

Over a decade of ultra-running has taken its toll on my knees so I needed a new focus for my love of an endurance sport which challenges me both physically and mentally. My aim is to complete a few miles in open water - fingers crossed! If I can’t run around the lakes in the Lake District anymore, why not have a go at swimming in them?!

What surprised you most about swimming with the Masters squad?

From the first session, everyone has been so helpful and patient with me. I’m the slowest and my technique is perhaps unique at the moment but that doesn’t stop the coaches and swimmers encouraging me and offering advice - in fact, I get a lot of focused tips to help me personally. I’m learning and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have a new focus and a group of people who want to help me improve.

Plus I didn’t realise I’d stop looking for running gear and instead search the web for fins and snorkels! (The WhatsApp group is entertaining too...)

James

How long have you been swimming?

On and off about 20 years.

Why do you swim - what are your personal goals?

No specific goal  just enjoy the process and trying to always be working towards something, regardless of how small - that’s a good mindset I think.

What surprised you most about swimming with the Masters squad?

How similar it is to swimming with the club when I was 10 years old TBH!

Rachel

How long have you been swimming?

I started swimming lessons age 4 and something about the water just clicked with me - it had a calming affect as I was quite an excitable child. I joined a different club at 8 then swam with  Deepings from around 12-17. Since then I’ve swum independently and have been a lifeguard but came back to Deepings in 2023 as a Master.

Why do you swim - what are your personal goals?

I swim because I love being in the water, it helps my mind. Any stress I have goes away as soon as I dive in. It’s great for discipline and routine. It’s great to be part of a community…plus the medals are great - I love a bit of bling!

What surprised you most about swimming with the Masters squad?

I love that you meet so many people from different walks of life that are accepting of everyone and don’t care about people’s size, shape, past, race, nationality, religion etc. They just encourage you to do your best.  Because of the encouragement I have stepped well out of my comfort zone and started open water swimming which I never would have done were it not for the Masters squad.

Louis

How long have you been swimming?

I swam from the age of 7 till 18, recently returning to the pool at age 23. I took a break to pursue new life goals and enjoy new things but it looks as if life has brought me back to this great sport! I love competing - my best achievements include being a medalist at Nationals and captaining at national Intercounties.

Why do you swim - what are your personal goals?

I swim to keep fit and active but also to keep a disciplined routine. My personal goal for being in the water isn’t anything specific, I generally just enjoy swimming and everything that comes with it.

What surprised you most about swimming with the Masters squad?

The Masters squad is a warm welcoming atmosphere full of kind, social, and friendly people. To be honest, when re joining it was no surprise to me that this was the case as Deepings Swimming Club has always been this way!

Alice

How long have you been swimming?

I learned to swim from about 7 and loved the water - I swam with a club up to my mid teens. Swimming was always part of my life after that - mostly fitting in lane swims before work or at lunchtime. I joined a SwimFit class about 12 years ago and discovered Masters about five years after that - I’ve swum with the squad since 2019.

Why do you swim - what are your personal goals?

The swimming pool has always been my happy place - I invariably feel better after a swim, however tough the session or even if I can only squeeze in a few lengths. I’m working on improving my 200 Breaststroke and IM (Individual Medley) events at the moment. Technique and stamina can always be improved!

What surprised you most about swimming with the Masters squad?

I just wasn’t prepared for the camaraderie - training sessions fly by. It’s amazing how much conversation and laughter you can fit into 15 seconds of recovery at the lane end! I love the fact that age and ability don’t matter when it comes to a training session - you’re all in it together, doing the best you can.