A Burnham-On-Sea pensioner has again proven that age is no barrier to success by breaking a second British swimming record.
Grenville Cole, 85, set a new British record last month when he swam in a 50-metre event at the Welsh Open Masters Swimming Championships in Wales.
This week, Grenville has beaten another British record by over seven seconds by winning gold at the national championships in Sheffield at the weekend.
He smashed the previous British record which had been in place for over 17 years (2:23.17) with a phenomenal time of 2:16.25 in the 100m breaststroke (85-89 years),
Sara Cox-Conklin from Burnham Swim and Sports Academy, where he is a member, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “What is quite remarkable is the fact that he only started swimming more than two lengths (50m) three weeks ago.”
“He has only ever swum this distance (100m) before in training aproximately four times in the last three weeks. Prior to that he only swam two lengths then stopped– because that’s all he knew!”
His accomplishment is all the more remarkable because he only re-started swimming in 2014 after a 68-year gap.
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I gave up swimming when I was 15 back in 1946 – the opportunities then were not the same as today even though I loved the sport and was a strong swimmer. There was a 68-year gap before I got back into the pool in 2014.”
“I’d just wondered if I could still swim, and gave it a go. Despite feeling exhausted the first few times I kept it going and now swim at Burnham Pool three times a week.”
“On one occasion Sara from the Swim and Sports Academy asked whether I’d considered entering the Swimming Masters. I didn’t think I’d have a chance, but said I’d give it a go.”
Pictured: Sara Cox-Conklin from Burnham Swim and Sports Academy with Grenville Cole, 85, who has set a second new British swimming record
