Julie Crayford

In 1960's was part of the Southampton European Swimming Club Champions. In the 1970's became a prolific Lifesaver as a competitor, teacher and examiner. In the early 90's.commenced swimming teaching for local authority, and its estimated has taught thousands of youngsters to swim. Began Masters' Swimming breaking Welsh, British and European records, and winning Welsh, British and European medals and placed in the FINA World Masters Championships and ranked in the world top 10 for her age group. Late in 2004 Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer and received extensive treatment. Unable to swim on medical advice, continued to act as an official, but within a couple of hours of being informed could return swimming was seen in the pool. In 2007 Julie won Gold, Silver and Bronze at the FINA World Masters Championship, Perth, and in 2009 won Gold and Silver at the World Masters Games, Sydney, Since 2008 Julie has achieved a remarkable record by breaking all Welsh records in her age group for every event, in every stroke in both the long course (16 events) and short course (17 events), an achievement that will be hard to replicate. In March 2011 Julie diagnosed with lung cancer but continued swimming 3 times a week until her treatment commenced and she was instructed not to swim. She continues to teach swimming and is hopeful that once the treatment is finished will return to the pool and regain fitness and return to Masters swimming.