HEIDI Bell-West from Westford, Wellington, competed in the 2025 World Masters Swimming Championships in Singapore - and returned with two bronze medals.

In the 55-59 age group Heidi was seeded 7th fastest across all races. However, she gained a 6th place in the 50 metre freestyle and won two bronze medals in the 50 metre backstroke and the 50 metre breaststroke. In the latter event she also broke the British Long Course Record by over half a second!

Heidi has been competing in swimming since she was four years old, when she swam in a 4x50 metre freestyle relay in the junior national championships in Jamaica in 1974. However, more recently, Heidi can be found in the gym at Wellington Sports Centre and swim training with 4T Triathlon Club. She also plays hockey with the local team, Wellington Foxes. Clearly all the running around helps with the endurance and her fast reactions.

In June, Heidi competed in the British National Masters Championships and gained 5 Bronze, 3 Silver and 1 Gold medal out of 9 races swam. However, the times she achieved in Singapore were even faster and in fact, the fastest since Covid and dislocating her right shoulder.

“The World Championships in Singapore were daunting as so many elite athletes were competing against me,” she said.” “I am over the moon with my races - not only to achieve a British Record and 2 Bronze medals but to know that the training I am doing is working. I have great support here in Wellington.’”

Heidi moved locally to be with her partner David and to set up her sports massage business. Her next big event is in October at the GoCardless British Masters Championships in Sheffield. Heidi is aiming for the Short Course British Record to add to her achievements.