Rugby Artistic Swimming Club Masters make European Championship splash with bronze medal

Rugby Artistic Swimming Club’s Masters squad returned from the European Aquatics Masters Championships 2026 with a bronze medal, a new personal best score and a series of strong duet performances after competing at the Pasienky Aquatics Complex in Bratislava, Slovakia, from August 19 to 23.

The club travelled with three duets and a combo team to compete in a highly competitive international field featuring former Olympians, international swimmers and some of Europe’s most experienced Masters artistic swimmers. For two members of the squad, the championships were also their first international competition.

In the Women’s Duet Tech 30-39 category, Laura Bloomfield and Cathy Reekie delivered an elegant routine to finish 12th. In the 50-59 category, Nicola Fryer and Joyce Williams secured sixth place, with Sandra Anstruther and Julie Bowler-Smith finishing seventh.

Anstruther and Bowler-Smith’s result was particularly hard-earned after the pair received a zero score on one element. They recovered to secure a top-seven finish in a demanding European field, demonstrating the resilience and composure that had underpinned their preparation.

The highlight came in the Combo event for ages 40-69. Solenne Alech, Sandra Anstruther, Laura Bloomfield, Julie Bowler-Smith, Annette Parker, Cathy Reekie, Alison Richardson and Joyce Williams combined to deliver a bronze-medal-winning performance and achieve a new personal best score.

“To come away from a European Championship with a bronze medal and a new personal best is incredibly special. We are so proud of every swimmer. The performances reflected months of hard work, but also the trust, encouragement and teamwork within this squad.” commented Sandra Anstruther, Masters squad coach and swimmer. 

The result reflects the continued growth of the club’s Masters programme, which brings together swimmers with a wide range of experience, from former artistic swimmers returning to the sport to those who discovered it later in life.

“This championship showed exactly what Masters artistic swimming can offer. It is competitive, but it is also about friendship, confidence and continuing to challenge yourself. Watching the squad support one another, particularly when routines did not go entirely to plan, made the bronze medal even more rewarding” added Julie Bowler-Smith.

Across the three duet performances and the medal-winning combo routine, the Rugby squad demonstrated that Masters artistic swimming is about far more than results. It provides an opportunity to build friendships, work as a team and continue achieving at every stage of life.

With a European bronze medal now added to the club’s growing list of achievements, Rugby Artistic Swimming Club is keen to welcome new members to its Masters section. Former artistic swimmers considering a return to the sport, as well as male swimmers interested in joining the squad, are encouraged to get in touch and discover the opportunities available at: [email protected]