From World Records to Swimmers Aged 90+: ODMC 2025 Inspires

The 21st edition of the Open Dutch Masters Championships (ODMC) long course kicked off in the brand-new Swimming Centre De Welle in Drachten — and what an opening it was! Swimmers weren’t just competing for medals: numerous Dutch, European, and even World Masters records were broken. From younger masters to swimmers aged 90 and over, everyone brought their best to the pool — all in a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie.

A Strong Start

From the very first heat of the 1500-metre freestyle, it was clear: the Masters are in peak condition. Even in the longest indoor event, multiple national and international records were shattered.
A standout performance came from Conny Boer-Buys (women’s 75+), who set multiple Dutch and European Masters records in the 100m and 200m freestyle — and crowned her weekend with a World Masters Record in the 800m freestyle, clocking 12:57.48. She broke a longstanding record (12:58.94) previously held by Jane Asher since 2006. An incredible achievement!

Olympian Kira Toussaint, making her Masters debut, was equally inspired:

“Swimming was, is, and always will be fun. I truly find it inspiring. Masters swimmers show that you can enjoy swimming and stay fit at any age. I’d love to be as fit at 70 as some of the participants here!”

On LinkedIn, she added:
“Masters swimming is absolutely fantastic — who’s joining in November? This weekend I made my debut at the Dutch Masters Championships in the 30+ category. What a beautiful event it was!”

Relay Highlights and Team Spirit

Relay events were no less impressive. Teams in age categories up to 320+ took to the water, setting both Dutch and European Masters records.

Dutch Masters Hall of Fame

This year, four standout masters swimmers and two officials were inducted into the Dutch Masters Hall of Fame for their long-standing commitment and contributions to the sport:

Marten de Groot – Decades of dedication and versatility in masters swimming

René Beetsma – All-round swimmer, active since 1994

Marjan Remmits-de Lange – Consistently successful since 2013

Delia Badoux – Record holder and driving force behind several competitions

Henk van den Brink – Long-time starter at both youth and masters events

Paul Chaudron – Key figure as referee at numerous masters meets

European Masters Records Fall

Several European Masters records were broken during the championships:

Delia Badoux (women’s 45+) blazed to a 29.53 finish in the 50m butterfly, setting a new European record.

PSV’s 320+ relay team made history in the 4x50m freestyle relay.

The ZPC Amersfoort 240+ women’s team delivered a stellar series of performances, setting European Masters records in the 4x100m freestyle, 4x100m medley, and 4x50m freestyle relays. Team members Lesley Cordial, Lidia van Bon-Rosenbrand, Atie Pijtak-Radersma, and Marjan Remmits-de Lange demonstrated outstanding teamwork and resilience.

The Luxembourg Sharks Swimming mixed team (200+), made up of Frédéric Tonus, Steve Seremes, Micky Gruims, and Olivia Lorton, broke the European record in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

Record-Breaking Totals at ODMC Drachten 2025:

Dutch Masters Records: 61
European Masters Records: 8
🌍 World Masters Records: 1

 

ODMC 2025 in the far north of the Netherlands once again proved that age is just a number — and that passion, dedication, and joy in sport know no bounds.

 

See you next at the ODMC Short Course Championships in Maastricht this November — for more unforgettable swimming moments!