Local GLL Sports Foundation swimmer celebrates National Success at Swim England Masters Championships

Mark Wortham, a local swimmer supported through the GLL Sports Foundation for Mole Valley and Crawley Swim Team achieved an outstanding result at the recent Swim England Masters National Championships held at Ponds Forge in Sheffield this month, with the team finishing an impressive third overall in the national rankings.  
Competing against some of the best masters swimmers from across the country, Mark enjoyed a highly successful championship, claiming two bronze medals and one silver medal in relay events, whilst also achieving a fourth-place finish in the 200m Breaststroke, a significant improvement from eighth place at his previous championship appearance. He also secured a top-10 finish in the 100m Breaststroke and placed 13th in the 50m Breaststroke. 

Reflecting on the achievement, Mark highlighted the role that local training facilities have played in his development. Through support from the GLL Sports Foundation, he has been able to make regular use of the gym facilities at Dorking Sports Centre, which he credits with enhancing both his training and race performance. 
The success marks a major milestone for Crawley Swim Team, whose third-place national finish is a testament to the hard work and dedication of athletes, coaches and support staff. With this year's championships now complete, the team has already begun planning and training for next year's event.  

The achievement demonstrates the positive impact that athlete support programmes such as the GLL Sports Foundation can have in helping talented sportspeople access the facilities and resources needed to compete at the highest level.