North East Athletes Shine at Masters World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden - report by Stuart Lynn

The North East’s finest masters athletes delivered remarkable performances at the Masters World Championships held recently in Gothenburg, Sweden, where over 8,000 competitors from 111 countries, including 559 from the UK, showcased their talents. Our local athletes not only held their own on this global stage but also achieved outstanding results that reflect their hard work and dedication.

Kath Stewart (NSP) led the way with a stunning display in the W85 category, securing two gold medals in the 200m and 400m events. As well as a CR in the 200m, Kath also set a new WORLD RECORD in the 400m, underlining her dominance and exceptional talent.

Annette Quaid (Tynedale) won gold in the W45 400m and picked up a silver in the W45 4 x 400m relay

Lewis Robson (Gateshead) earned a commendable 5th place in the M35 400m final. He also struck gold as part of the M35 4x400m relay team, which set a new WORLD RECORD.

Stuart Lynn (NSP) placed 10th overall in the M60 200m, and his relay performances earned him two silver medals in the 4x100m and 4x400m events.

Nisha Desai (Morpeth) showcased her versatility by claiming bronze in the W40 400m hurdles.

Lloyd Powell (NSP) gained a bronze medal in the M35 HJ 

Lourdes Bradley (NSP) secured 16th place overall in the W50 200m and added a hard fought bronze medal to her collection in the W45 4x400m relay.

Olwyn Hocking (NSP) finished 17th overall in the W65 100m and also took home a bronze medal in the W65 4x100m relay.

Alistair Hill (New Marske Harriers) won a bronze in the M75 Decathlon setting a British record in that event. Not only that, during that event he broke the British M75 High jump record 3 times pushing it up to 1.42m!

​Gavin Bayne (Morpeth) contributed to the success with a bronze medal in the M65 Half Marathon Team event.

Trevor Hodgson (Morpeth) displayed great form, finishing 6th in the M50 100m final and just missing the podium with a 4th place finish in the M50 4x100m relay.

Darren Towart (Tynedale) finished 6th place in the M45 400mH and 4th place in the M45 4x400m relay

Carolyn Gale (North York Moors) finished 4th in the W75 800m, and also 4th place in the W65 4x400m relay, as well as 5th behind 3 World Record Holders and German National Champion in the 5,000m. 

Alex Sneddon (Jarrow) finished just outside the medals in 4th place in the W35 10k

Greg Jayasuriya (Middlesbrough & Cleveland) came 5th in the road 10k and a superb 8th in the M35 5,000m

Rob Andrew (Alnwick) achieved a strong 7th place in the M60 800m final.

Alexis Dodd (Jarrow) finished 9th place in the W40 1500m

Roisin McBride (Gateshead) competed fiercely, finishing 20th in the W35 100m and 9th in the W35 4x100m relay.

Steven Snook (Quakers) finished 25th in the M65 10k

George Henderson (S Shields) came in 37th in a competitive M55 5,000m

Frances Malcolm (Sedgefield) rounded out the North East’s efforts with a 47th place finish in the W50 200m.


In addition to the athletes, several North East officials played key roles in ensuring the smooth operation of the championships. Alan & Lesley Bell, Bill & Christine Courtney, Archie Jenkins & Lynne Marr. Archie Jenkins was awarded a WMA Achievement Award for his role as WMA Race Director Non Stadia, and Alan Bell is WMA Vice President of Competition, further proving that the North East boasts some of the best officials in the UK and the world.


The North East Masters community can be immensely proud of these results, which reflect the talent, dedication, and sportsmanship of our athletes and officials alike.