A WORLD record holder is set to open the new Chard Leisure Centre next week.
Matthew Clay, set a new masters world record at the Swim England Masters National Championships.
The 39-year-old swam 25.21 in the men's 50 backstroke, shaving 0.05 seconds off the prior world record in the event.
Matthew said: "During lockdown, I decided to set myself a goal of getting fit again to see if I could break the world record.
"Setting a world record is dream come true and a great way to cap off what has been a difficult period for everyone."
The swimmer also represented England and Great Britain internationally in his younger career, and was the 2006 Commonwealth Games champion in the 50 backstroke.
He also won a European Championship bronze medal in the 50m backstroke in 2006.
He will be opening the new leisure centre in Chard on Monday, November 8.
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