GEORGE NEWS - Twenty swimmers plus one timekeeper/ex-swimmer of the George-based Fish Eagles Masters Swimming club (FEMS) are taking part in the SA National Masters Championship this week. The championship, hosted in Cape Town by Western Province Masters Swimming, runs from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 to 13 March.
According to chairperson Cheryl Griffiths, the focus is on fun, fitness, and friendship, but those with a competitive streak do take part in galas.
FEMS is registered with Eden Biathlon and currently has at least six members taking part in these events. One of them, Mike McDonald, holds the SA record for his age group (70-75). Some members also participate in the Eden Aquatics galas to take part in the SA National Championships.
The team has some outstanding competitors, among them Buddy Borstlap (89), who has been swimming all his life and set an SA record in the 50m butterfly at age 76.
Jill Black (60+) has taken part in more than 15 masters swimming national championships and has completed several endurance swimming events and cycling events.
Members of club during an open water swim.
And there is the team for the 320+ year age group relays, comprising Mike McDonald, Cheryl Griffiths, Judy Dixon, and Buddy Borstlap, who have a total age of 325 years.
Tanya Osborne, their "coach, team motivator, and chief whip", is a multi-talented athlete with multiple achievements in road running, masters swimming, open water swimming, lifesaving, and biathlon.
People who like to have more information can contact Cheryl on 083 460 6391, Tanya on 076 506 4570, or Jill on 083 420 5029. Alternatively, find them on Facebook @Fish Eagles Masters Swimming or online at Fish Eagles Masters Swimming.
Relay teams of the Fish Eagles Masters Swimming club (FEMS) practise at Glenwood House
The intrepid FEMS members don't shy away from doing open water swims in the sea.
The history of FEMS
Masters swimming in George started in 1994 with the first gala at Outeniqua High School. The George Swim Club was renamed to Fish Eagles in 2000 as the swimmers came from all over the Garden Route. Masters swimmers from the Garden Route have competed in the SA Masters Championships every year since 1995.
The club now has 23 registered members and 17 social members. Those registered with Swim SA are eligible to take part in galas. The social members are included in all training and open water sessions, as well as social events.
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