‘Out to swim’ swimmers win national medals

Ten swimmers from Out to Swim competed in what is known as the UK Gay Games – GLLAM (Gay & Lesbian London Aquatics Meet) at the London Olympic Swimming Pool on September 9.

Left to right - Chris, Josh, Martin and John — Left to right – Chris, Josh, Martin and John

Teams from all over the UK took part plus teams from Paris, Lisbon, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Berlin.

Brighton swimmers managed to bring back 10 medals with a number of fantastic swims in the 2012 Olympic Pool.

Individual medal winners were, John Moore (3 Gold), Josh Smith (2 Gold and 1 Silver), Chris Millard (Silver and Bronze) and Jason Knight (Silver).

John, Josh and Chris then joined Martin Schellert to win a Bronze in the medley relay.

The winning swimmers may have got some inspiration or encouragement from Tom Daley who was training with the GB Diving squad in the adjacent diving pool.

Out to Swim, an Aquatics Club for adults based in London and Brighton was founded 25 years ago by a small band of enterprising swimmers from the LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual) communities. Most of the members are LGBT+, although all adults with an interest in aquatic sport are welcomed, including disabled swimmers.

All they ask is that members show equal respect to each other, irrespective of any difference in age, sexual orientation, gender, faith, ethnic origin, nationality, or on any other grounds.

Out to Swim offer participation in many aquatic disciplines, including pool, open water, water polo and Artistic (Synchronised) Swimming. Although entirely optional, many of the members find competing in the Water Polo leagues and at swim meets helps give focus to their training goals as well as building team spirit.

They are one of the biggest masters aquatics clubs in the UK offering training sessions with experienced coaches every day of the week in London while catering for a wide range of abilities, offering lessons and development sessions across all disciplines for those who are still learning, as well as challenging sets for experienced athletes.

Their Brighton branch – Out To Swim South – offers 3 swim training sessions a week and is still growing!

For more information about the Brighton Branch of Out to Swim, click here: