Matchtech's Swimming Star

Martin Bennell, Matchtech's Process Division Manager, has recently made a return to competitive swimming. Martin's last competition was back in 2000 when he competed in the semi-finals of the Olympic Trials whilst swimming for Portsmouth Northsea SC.

In October of this year Martin began competitive swimming again and took part in the National Masters Championships in Sheffield.

Swimming in the 30-34yrs age group, Martin performed exceptionally well to become National Gold Medal winner in both the 100m Breaststroke and the 100m Individual Medley (25m Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Frontcrawl. Martin also swam a lifetime best time in the 50m Breaststroke of 30.38 seconds, to add Silver to his two Golds.

Martin returned to swimming when his old coach, David Terry, urged him to represent the City of Southampton Swimming Club at the Speedo League Championships.

Martin, who has been swimming competitively since he was young, is now training with the City of Southampton Masters Club. David Terry, Head Coach of Southampton Swimming Club, was delighted with Martin's swims and said, "I am not surprised at Martin's results. I can remember coaching him when he was a first year 'fresher' at Portsmouth University. He had tremendous potential. Martin would always give me 100% in both the training pool and in competition. Martin still has great technique on all four strokes and is still seriously fast. I have talked to Martin since his success and he seemed as delighted with his medals as he was on making the Olympic trials semi-final all those years ago."

Matchtech is lucky enough to have another exceptional swimmer working for them. The Company's Senior Accounts Administrator, Milly Wright, also took part in the in the National Masters Championships. Milly represented the City of Southampton Swimming Club in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke and 100m Individual Medley in the 25-29 age group and also trains with the Southampton Masters squad.