Local YMCA Team to Compete in World Finals

In April, the Andover/North Andover Masters Swim team went to a national competition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with 20 of their best swimmers. And they came out in 8th place; not a bad finish for a national tourney.

Now, however, 5 of those athletes will be representing the local YMCA when competing in the upcoming FINA World Masters Championships, being held in Riccione, Italy from June 3 to the 17.

The Masters Swim team is headed by coach Rick Battistini and consists of 45 members ranging in ability and specialty, from triathletes to lap swimmers to those who enjoy swimming for fitness.

Battistini is now in his six year of teaching and the swim team leader showed nothing but pride for his team.

“They worked really hard to get to this point, and taking 8^th place in Nationals is great recognition of their dedication to this team,” said Battistini.

A total of 10 swimmers in the national competition are from the Andover area and competed in the breaststroke (50, 100 and 200 meters), freestyle and individual medley.

The team will be looking forward to utilizing a new 50-meter pool, as part of the Andover/North Andover Expansion Project.