The 2025 World Masters Aquatics Championships in Singapore brought together thousands of athletes from across the globe, all united by their passion for sport and competition. Among them were a number of inspirational athletes from the North East, who returned home with medals, records, and memories to last a lifetime. Their performances across Artistic Swimming, Diving, and Swimming captured not only individual triumphs but also the spirit of Masters sport: resilience, community, and the pursuit of excellence at any age.
Artistic Swimming
Jeanne Ansley (City of Leeds Synchronised Swimming) put on a dazzling display in Singapore, achieving silver in the technical solo and gold in the free solo. Jeanne described the event as her “toughest competition yet”, a reflection of the exceptionally high standard of artistry and endurance required. Her medal-winning routines were a masterclass in precision and creativity, showcasing both her years of dedication to the sport and the ability of Masters athletes to push boundaries on the world stage.
If you would like to read more about Jeanne’s incredible journey of aquatics, please check out this article here.
Diving
Karen Carney (Darlington Amateur Swimming & Diving Club) delivered one of the most inspirational stories of the Championships. Starting her diving journey at the age of 55, Karen has become a beacon of determination within the Masters community.
In the lead-up to Singapore, Karen faced a serious foot injury that kept her out of the pool for six weeks, leaving her with just three dives to practice before competing. Despite these challenges, and the added stress of long-haul travel, Karen showed incredible composure to secure two bronze medals, including a surprise podium finish on the 3-metre springboard.
Competing alongside Olympians and World Champions, she admitted that the experience was “quite daunting at first”, but explained how she drew strength from her years of training and the support of her coaches and family. “No matter what age you are or when you start, you can still achieve anything,” Karen said.
For her, the sport has been transformative, both physically and mentally: “Water gives you freedom, it keeps you active, and keeps you learning. It’s good for the body and good for the mind.” Her achievements in Singapore were more than medals; they were a powerful reminder of resilience, passion, and the joy of taking on new challenges.
Swimming: Records Broken and Podiums Secured
The swimming events in Singapore saw North East athletes deliver outstanding performances across a wide range of disciplines and distances.
- Emma Wills (York City Baths Club) competed in her third World Masters Championships and once again rose to the occasion. Despite the challenges of travel, time zones, and the unknowns of international competition, Emma delivered gold-medal-winning swims in all three of her events. She claimed victory in the 800m freestyle and went on to break her own British records in both the 200m and 400m freestyle, securing gold in both. For Emma, it was not just about medals, but also the thrill of producing her fastest times in years and the honour of racing in the same pool that had recently hosted elite athletes.
- The Newcastle Swim Team fielded a strong group of competitors:
- Kevin Smith set a new British record in the 100m butterfly, finishing 4th, alongside 4th in the 200m fly, 6th in the 400m IM, and 9th in the 200m IM.
- Julian Plumley consistently placed in the top 10, including 5th in the 400m freestyle and 6th in the 200m freestyle.
- Fiona Barras delivered solid performances across the sprint and middle-distance freestyle events, finishing 25th in the 50m free, 19th in the 100m free, and 16th in the 200m free.
- The combined Derwentside & Gateshead Swim Team also had a strong showing:
- Verity Dobbie finished 4th in the 50m breaststroke, narrowly missing a podium place, and also took 8th in the 100m breast and 10th in the 50m free.
- Joan Edwards impressed with her endurance, securing bronze in the 800m freestyle and 4th place finishes in both the 200m and 400m freestyle, as well as 7th in the 100m freestyle.
- Michael Edwards gained valuable international racing experience, competing in the 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke.
A Celebration of Masters Sport
The achievements of these North East athletes highlight the strength, dedication, and camaraderie within the region’s Masters community. Competing at the very highest level of international Masters sport, they not only brought home medals and records but also set an example for others, proving that with commitment and passion, age is no barrier to achievement.
As Karen Carney put it: “Always do your best. If you get worried about trying something difficult, don’t worry, you can always try again next week. There are always other opportunities to give it a go.”
Whether competing for medals, chasing personal bests, or simply enjoying the experience of racing against peers from across the world, every athlete from the region played their part in showcasing the spirit of North East Masters swimming and diving.
Share Your Story
If you are a North East Masters athlete who also competed in Singapore and would like to share your highlights, please get in touch with Jay at jay.manners@swimnortheast.org. We would love to celebrate your journey and achievements as part of this incredible community.
