ODMC2025sc Maastricht – Final Report

Masters showcase sportsmanship and top performances in Maastricht at the ONMK short course

From 20 to 23 November, the Geusseltbad in Maastricht was the setting for the 22nd Open Dutch Masters Short Course Championships. Masters of all ages came together to push their limits, meet each other, encourage each other and enjoy four days of sporting competition and friendly atmosphere.

Records galore
These championships produced an impressive series of performances. Dutch Masters records were broken in almost every age category, as well as a number of European and World Masters records.

Kira Toussaint shone with European Masters records in the 50m (28.09) and 100m backstroke (1:00.16) in the 30+ category.

During the relays, ZPC Amersfoort provided extra festive moments with the women’s and men’s 240+ teams. In both the 4x100m freestyle (4:29.85), the 4x50m freestyle (2:01.33) and the 4x100m medley (5:11.89), Lesley Cordial, Atie Pijtak-Radersma, Marjan Remmits-de Lange and Lidia v. Bon-Rosenbrand set a new European Masters record. The men improved the European Masters record to 4:32.07 in the 4x100m medley with Edwin van Norden, Chester Marsman, Ron Korzelius and Johan Remmits.

On Saturday, there was even a World Masters record: Frank Gruner swam a new world-leading time in the men’s 55+ 400m medley.

Total number of records swum:
Masters records total: 118
Dutch Masters records: 57
European Masters records: 5
World Masters records: 1

Sportsmanship, emotion and special encounters
The event also had moments of reflection. On the second day, participants paused to remember the passing of masters swimmer and official John Dam, a beloved and valued figure in the masters world.
The ODMC is also a place where special stories come together. For example, mother Lottie Geurts (90+) and daughter Carla Geurts (50+) swam together again at the tournament. Their special bond emphasizes exactly what the Masters Championships stand for: sporting enjoyment for everyone, regardless of age.

The organization also provided a unique glimpse behind the scenes. Masters swimmer and organizer Yvonne Bruls explained how special it is to be active both in the water and in the organization: ‘Everyone comes here with pleasure, and that makes it extra valuable for us as an organization.’

With a packed programme, a large number of enthusiastic masters swimmers and a list of new records and good performances, MZ&PC Maastricht can look back on a very successful championship. The warm atmosphere, the tight organization and the broad support of volunteers, officials, fans and livestream viewers made this event a highlight in the masters calendar.

The KNZB Masters Swimming Task Force and MZ&PC Maastricht would like to thank all participants and supporters for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship.