Masters swimming is competitive swimming for over 25’s. It began in the USA in the 1970s when some formerly 'elite' swimmers organised a competition for adult swimmers. The sport has now spread all over the world but although there are World Championships at the top end, the sport remains one in which all who want to compete can do so. The broad objectives of better health, better fitness, and the friendship between swimmers are paramount. There is no compulsion on swimmers to compete.

Competitive masters swimmers are well catered for though. There are keenly contested national and district competitions, and some county swimming associations organise masters events as well. In addition there are some 40 to 50 masters competitions organised by individual swimming clubs, held all through the year. For those who wish to travel there are World and European Championships, as well as a large number of open competitions just as there are in Great Britain.

It is not always necessary to travel to compete. There is an annual half-hour competition organised by the ASA, and a one-hour competition organised by the British Long Distance Swimming Association. These are also 'postal swims' where each swimmer submits his or her performance to a central co-ordinator who produces an overall result.

Masters competitions are held under the same rules as apply in mainstream swimming, and races are as keenly contested. But there is always an informal air. Only very large international events such as the World Championships at present need to impose (modest) qualifying standards. Everyone who wants to take part is welcome. The competitions are organised in 5-year age bands, from 25-29 and upwards -and upwards as required. The oldest age group result so far is in the 100-104 group! Some competitions also include a 19-24 or 20-24 group.

Unlike mainstream swimming, masters competitions rarely impose a qualifying standard, so if you wish to take part in a masters event you can … you simply join a club and send in your entry. Competitions are almost always seeded on the basis of ability, and therefore no matter what standard you have reached it is likely that you will be in the pool with people of similar ability.

City of Bradford S C has a strong tradition in Masters Swimming, having produced several National Champions and record holders in recent years. Although some members do not compete at all, the club usually has a strong turnout at the Yorkshire and North-eastern Counties Championships, both held at Scarborough, and a number of representatives at the National Championships held every year at Sheffield.