Master of the pool: Marlins star Mavin smashes British and European records... aged 37
Stephen Mavin in action in his best event, the 100m butterfly. - Credit: Archant
SWIMMING master Stephen Mavin is celebrating the most memorable year of his career after he smashed British and European records... aged 37.
Stephen Mavin shows off his incredible haul of medals. - Credit: Archant
The March Marlins star defied his age to swim lifetime bests on his way to triumphing in the British Swimming Masters Decathlon 2012.
He amassed 17 national gold medals in a glittering year which saw him smash 11 British records and three European records in the 35-39 category.
“It was a great haul and a very big year,” said Mavin. “I’ve now got more records in that category than anyone else and I’m chuffed about that.
“I’ve swum internationally for England youth, intermediate and senior squads. I had a sports scholarship at Loughborough University and I went to three Olympic trials - but I don’t remember having a year like that before.”
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Mavin, who swims for the Marlins but lives in Somersham, won bronze in the World Triathlon Championships in 2008 and took gold in the European Triathlon Championships in 2009.
He failed to achieve his Olympic dream as a young swimmer - but his performances do not seem to be deteriorating with age.
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“I went two three Olympic trials and came third every time,” he said. “Unfortunately only the top two go through.
“It’s almost like I’m getting revenge now but obviously I would have preferred to do it then!
“At 37, my performances seem to be holding up. I’m feeling aches and pains in places I never used to but I’m swimming lifetime bests and you can’t ask for more than that at 37. I’m delighted.”
Mavin came close to smashing the world record in his best event, the 100m butterfly, and he also fell just short in the 50m freestyle - a record held by swimming legend Mark Foster.
“I’m going to set some more goals for this year,” he said. “But whether I can defend the decathlon, we’ll have to see.”
