From August 2 to 11, the World Aquatics Masters Championships see thousands of masters athletes flock to the beautiful Island of Kyushu, Japan. The competition spans the cities of Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima, each hosting various aquatic disciplines.
On August 2 and 3, the open-water swimming events were held at the scenic Seaside: Momochi Beach Park in Fukuoka, Japan. The events also included 3km races for men and women.
Tattersalls Club was represented by several swimmers at the championships (mainly in the pool), with one athlete taking on the open water swim.
John De Mestre, a long-time member of Tattersalls Club, produced a spectacular swim in the open water competition, completing the course in 40m 32s to give him the silver medal and the claim of being the second fastest open water swimmer in the world for his age group.
The race marked the peak and conclusion of several months of commitment and training demonstrated by John, along with the entire Tattersalls swim squad. Throughout the preceding months, the team collaborated to support John’s progress and prepare him extensively for this swim.
What elevates the significance of this achievement is that John’s timing would have secured him the gold medal in an age category a decade younger than his own!
An amazing result for an amazing athlete. Congratulations John.
