An 85 year old man has broken 12 British records and one European record in masters swimming this year.

Don Leatherbarrow broke the 200 metre individual medley record, the 50 metre fly, 1500 metre freestyle which also broke the European record, 400 metre individual medley, and 100 metre fly at the beginning of this year held at the Wales International Pool in Swansea.

He then went on to compete in the 50 metre freestyle, 200 metre freestyle and the 50 metre fly at Birmingham University in May. Here he broke three records and won gold in each.

Next was the South West Open Championships at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre where he took part in four events- 100 metre IM (Individual Medley), 50 metre breast stroke, 100 metre freestyle and 100 metre breaststroke. He broke all four of these records.

Don’s final competition this year was at the Short course Championships in Newport where he took part in the 50 metre fly, 1500 metre freestyle and the 800 metre. He took home gold in all three of these races but already held the record in one of them and was under the record for the last two. 

Don told the Gazette: “It’s tough keeping up with the training but I absurdly love doing it. I’ve done it my whole life. 

“I am going to give myself a rest in the new ear and hopefully come back to it later on in 2024.

“My wife, Cindy, has been amazing throughout the whole thing and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her. She drives me to where I need to be and she makes sure I’m on time. She does a lot. 

“It’s only fair now that I give my body a break and give Cindy a break as well.”