LAUNCESTON Swimming Club coach and swimmer, Fran Baker, has broken a European record at the ASA British National Masters Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

At the end of October, Fran (second from left) was part of the 4 x 200m freestyle team which smashed the previous record by 12 seconds. The team also broke the previous European record in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay.

In addition to her own swimming, Fran is also part of the coaching team at Launceston Swimming Club and trains with the Masters group at Phoenix Leisure Centre.

Launceston Swimming Club chairperson, Helen Ward, said: “Fran’s dedication to swimming as both an athlete and a coach is truly inspirational to all our young swimmers, many of whom strive to be selected to swim at national competitions. This achievement is testament to hours of training with John Rhodes (head coach) and the other Masters. Everyone at Launceston Swimming Club is extremely proud of her.”

Launceston Masters train during the Phoenix coached swim fit session on a Monday evening from 6.30-7.30pm and on a Friday evening from 8.30-9.30pm.

Launceston Swimming Club currently has 150 members. During the summer the club held their annual club championship gala in which many personal bests and new club records were set.

To celebrate their success, a presentation evening was held at Trethorne Leisure Farm where head coach, John Rhodes, awarded a number of trophies and medals.

Launceston Swimming Club swimmers train on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. To find out more information about the club or to arrange a taster session, please email: [email protected].