Published: 12 June, 2015

A GOLD rush of epic proportions resulted in Camden Swiss Cottage Masters (above) boasting no fewer than eight county champions on Sunday. 

Karen Bellas led the way as the squad scooped 18 gold medals at the Middlesex County Championships at the Barnet Copthall pool. 

Competing in the 60-64 age group, Karen was responsible for six golds, winning backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and the free- style over 50 metres, the individual medley over 100m and the freestyle over 200m. 

Taking on the likes of Islington’s Cally Masters and Otter Swimming Club from central London, Camden continued their success in the 55-59 age group courtesy of Tamsin Jaggs, who won the 50m butterfly, the 50m backstroke and the 200m freestyle. 

Chris Hopton was Camden’s most successful male swimmer as he won double gold in 50m and 200m freestyle in the 40-44 age group. 

The Camden Masters went on to add five more golds to their mighty medal haul, with Philip McHugh and Sara Magrath winning their respective 50m butterfly events, Stuart Mathews and Fabiola Amara both powering to victory in their 50m freestyle races and Alun Sayce touching home first in the 200m freestyle.