Mew Smashes British Record

On Sunday evening at the Plymouth Leander Open Swimming Meet,  Darren Mew, age 30, of Ellesmere College Titans Swimming Club smashed the British Long Course 50m Breaststroke record in a time 0f 0:27.44.

In doing so he regained a record that he first broke 12 years ago as an 18 year old and last held in 2002. This record had previously been held by arch rival James Gibson since 2003. It adds to the Short Course record which Darren already holds.

What made this achievement all the more remarkable was that Darren swam the race suffering from a chest infection and with his shoulder heavily taped as a result of an injury he recently picked up at the European Short Course Championships which were held in Istanbul.

He had already had to withdraw from the 100m breaststroke on the Saturday as a result of breathing difficulties caused by this infection which compounded his existing asthma which he has suffered from since childhood.

Having already competed at 2 Olympics, 8 World Championships, 3 Commonwealth Games and 6 European Championships, Darren is one of the oldest swimmers competing on the world stage.

Not content with these records, Darren has set his sights on breaking new records and competing for Britain at London 2012. At a stage in life when most international swimmers have long hung up their goggles and accepted the effects of ageing - Darren remains positively resolute in his determination to break new ground.

Commenting on recapturing the record at the age of 30 Darren said “I’m feeling brilliant. Age is just a number and it must never be used as an excuse for ducking major goals. Every morning when I wake up I look at myself in the mirror and remind myself that this is the beginning and not the end – there is definitely more to come”.

Other Titan swimmers in action at the weekend included Alfie Pardoe, Stacey Tadd and James Faure.