Black Country & Potteries 280+ Women’s Relay Team – a remarkable year!
Their story is as inspiring as their results. Of the four swimmers, only one (Alyson) represented her country in her youth. Two reached county level before taking 30-year breaks from the sport, while one didn’t start competing until her 40s.
Between them they manage hip replacements, diabetes monitoring, and busy family lives - a combined eight children and 10 grandchildren! Only one trains regularly in a coached group – the others fit their sessions into public swimming times, supplementing with weights, pilates, and the occasional dog walk.
And yet… look what they achieved:
Every single European and British record in the 280+ category – broken.
Five brand new World Records – established.
It’s a story of determination, teamwork, and proof that age is no barrier to excellence.
Details of their records are listed below, but the headline is clear: 2025 will go down as a year of breathtaking achievements for this incredible team.
World Records
16.3.25 Derby LC 4 x 100 Medley 6.12.16
16.3.25 Derby LC 4 x 200 Freestyle 11.41.75
13.6.25 Stratford LC 4 x 100 Freestyle 5.04.66
25.10.25 Sheffield SC 4 x 100 Freestyle 5.59.59
26.10.25 Sheffield SC 4 x 50 Freestyle 2.12.37
European and British Records
22.2.25 Blackpool SC 4 x 100 Medley 5.57.65
22.2.25 Blackpool SC 4 x200 Freestyle 11.29.12
16.3.25 Derby LC 4 x 100 Medley 6.12.16
16.3.25 Derby LC 4 x 200 Freestyle 11.41.75
13.6.25 Stratford LC 4 x 100 Freestyle 5.04.6613.6.25 Stratford LC 4 x 50 Freestyle 2.15.57
14.6.25 Stratford LC 4 x 50 Medley 2.37.01
25.10.25 Sheffield SC 4 x 50 Medley 2.34.03
25.10.25 Sheffield SC 4 x 100 Freestyle 5.59.59
26.10.25 Sheffield SC 4 x 50 Freestyle 2.12.37
