Veteran swimmer Richard Slater is celebrating after landing a hat-trick of national titles.
Richard took triple gold at the Welsh National Masters swimming championships held at the Wales National Pool in Swansea.
A member of the Masters Squad at Pioneer 79 swimming club, he returned to the pool a year ago having last competed in his late teens. Last year, along with four Pioneer 79 team mates, he represented Lancashire at the inter-counties championships.
At Swansea, Richard won the 50m and 100m breaststroke titles, and the 200m freestyle; he also took bronze in the 50m butterfly. And he now has three top place UK rankings.
He credits much of his success to a combination of excellent coaching and the encouragement and support of other Masters swimmers.
He trains with Pioneer 79 and at the Swimfit sessions hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Council.
“The quality of coaching is superb. My technique has been re-built and the work we do is challenging,” he said.
“And I train with some excellent swimmers and triathletes – it would be much tougher without that team spirit.”
Lee Stringfellow, head coach at Pioneer 79, said: “The success of our Masters swimmers demonstrates the depth we have at the club.
“From the youngest to the oldest members, we are achieving significant results at a regional and national level.”
Richard is now working towards the Scottish and GB Nationals later in the year.
