Colleen Mallon won the women’s British Championship in Windermere last weekend, bringing the Jack Hatfield Cup to Ireland for the first time in the race’s history.

British swimmers had an exclusive stranglehold on the 17K event since it started in the 1950’s. But the 24-year-old Bessbrook broke the streak with a 4 hour and 9 minute victory, finishing second overall. As result of her effort, Colleen was nominated for the British Long Distance Swimming Association’s Best Swimmer of the Year Award.

She has been on a roll this year with victories in the Lough Sheelin 10K Irish Championship event in 2:22, the Clew Bay 10K in 1:46 and races in Gunaway, Copeland Island and Blackwater. She has two more races on her schedule, the Liffy Swim and the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association 10K Open on her home ground of Camlough Lake.

Photo of Colleen Mallon being presented with the Jack Hatfield Cup by Pam Morgan, President of the British Long Distance Swimming Association.

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