Swim England Artistic Swimming
English Artistic Swimming Leadership Team
Established in 2016, the Artistic Swimming Leadership Group (ASLG) drives the long-term strategy for artistic swimming in England. Working across grassroots, club and elite levels, ASLG focuses on growth, participation and high-performance success.
ASLG oversees the development and review of strategic plans, expanding opportunities for young athletes, strengthening regional pathways and refining the national performance structure. Collaborating with Swim England, clubs and key stakeholders, the group ensures a clear and inclusive pathway for all athletes.
A key priority is supporting athletes at every level, from grassroots competitions like the Combo Cup to national and international events. By investing in talent development, coaching and innovation, ASLG has helped shape a world-class performance environment, culminating in Britain’s silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Committed to long-term sustainability, ASLG continues to make artistic swimming more accessible, competitive and successful, ensuring British athletes thrive across the entire pathway.
Get In Touch
Do you have something you would like to raise with the ASLG?
- Get in touch with the group: [email protected]
Meet The Team
Find out more about the different members of the Artistic Swimming Leadership Team below:
Maria Ramos – Chair of ASLG
Maria started artistic swimming aged 10, and qualified as an International Judge in 2008. She established a new synchro section at Hythe Aqua alongside her sister over 20 years ago.
Maria was previously the secretary for Kent Synchro, as well as the Chair of the Great Britain Artistic Swimming Committee from 2004 to 2014.
Hannah Secher – Workforce Development Lead
Hannah is the Workforce Development Llead for the ASLG. She is responsible for developing and education judges and workforce pathways in particular.
Hannah has been a Head Coach of Rugby Artistic Swimming Club for over 20 years, starting as a swimmer and then progressing to Head Coach.
She has been a World Aquatics Judge since 2011 and is now at the top Gold level. Hannah has also been awarded the very prestigious award for her services to the sport The Mary Black Award.
Ian Atkinson – Events Executive Director
Ian is the Executive Director for Swim England national artistic swimming events.
He brings a wealth of experience in sports presentation and event management as well as a fresh approach to technology and innovation.
Ian’s first artistic swimming competition was the 2009 LEN European Junior Championships in Gloucester, where he provided some technical assistance with television and IT. He has been involved with Swim England and British Artistic Swimming at every level since.
He has helped to bring sports presentation, technology and broadcast into the sport, and is currently Meet Director for both the National Age Groups and National Championships.
Ian was selected as Sports Equipment Team Leader for London 2012 and worked across all aquatic disciplines for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sarah Clarke – Reward and Recognition Lead
Sarah leads on Reward and Recognition for the ASLG, she heads up the grading system within the country. Sarah has been involved with artistic swimming for more than 30 years and started aged eight in Carlisle.
She competed for 15 years for Trinity Synchro and then Trafford Synchro, taking part in the World Masters Championships in 2004 and 2006.
She supports the North West Region as a coach, senior assessor, judge and team manager. Sarah is the not just a domestic judge she is an International Judge and has been the Team Manager for the England Programme Youth Squad for many years. She is also a DTC and Referee.
Louise Ross – Coach Education Lead
Louise is the coaching lead for the ASLG. She is responsible for the coach education and development for the sport.
Louise has been involved in Artistic Swimming for over 30 years, swimming and coaching at both club and international level. She still swims attending national and international masters events and is an advocate for masters artistic swimming. Obtaining her tutor license in 2016 she has helped countless members of the artistic community to achieve their coaching qualifications.
Karen Thorpe – Head of Artistic Swimming England/GBR
Karen has dedicated her life to Artistic Swimming, beginning as an athlete in 1984 and competing at the highest levels, including Olympic qualifiers, World Championships, and European Championships from 1986 to 1995. Transitioning into coaching, she played a pivotal role in developing British talent, serving as GBR Senior Duet Assistant Coach (1997-1998) and GBR Junior Coach (1998-2001), leading teams to European Championships and international competitions.
Since joining the organisation in 2006, Karen now as Head of Artistic Swimming, she has transformed the sport across England and Great Britain, driving unprecedented success on the world stage despite significant funding challenges. Under her leadership, British Artistic Swimming has reached historic milestones, culminating in a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, World Cup gold, and multiple podium finishes at World and European Championships. Her vision, resilience and passion have not only elevated British athletes but also ensured the sport’s growth and legacy for future generations.