Wisbech Swimming Club’s Lucy Ryan just returned home triumphant after winning gold in the female 50-54 years 200m breaststroke event at the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Doha 2024.

World champion Lucy has been competing in Masters events for the past 25 years.

She says: “Masters swimming is a fantastic opportunity to travel and race like-minded people. It gives me a reason to train and stay in shape. So much more is known now about nutrition, supplements, strength and conditioning, while approaches to swim training and racing have evolved too.

"It makes it possible to continue challenging myself and even improve as I age.”

Lucy represents Great Britain through Team Anglia at World Masters’ level, but swims for Wisbech Swimming Club at other events.

She was among 3,000 athletes from 964 clubs, but was the only Team Anglia swimmer in Qatar, where she also won silver in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, and took a top 10 place in the 200m individual medley.

“I've been involved with Wisbech Swimming Club for 20 years,” she says. “My daughter is also a current swimmer and absolutely loves it.”

Lucy owns Grange Farm Swim School and says: “Basically, I’m in and out of the pool all day every day, sharing my love of swimming with the community.”