Swimming Talent Team announce two new appointments ahead of ‘exciting times‘

Swim England’s Swimming Talent Team has announced two new appointments ahead of ‘exciting times’ for the sport.

Former England Talent Officer Lindsay Trimmings – pictured with Swim England’s Head of Swimming Talent Grant Robins – has been promoted to Coaching Development Manager after Joanna Jones moved to a new role with UK Sport.

Her previous position is to be filled by Richard Blackshaw, who will leave his job as head coach of Stockport Metro at the end of October.

Lindsay, who worked as England Talent Officer for five-and-a-half years, is a former British long distance swimming junior champion who has also completed a solo English Channel swim.

She joined Swim England in February 2014 from her previous post as deputy director of swimming and head of sports science and medicine at Plymouth Leander and Plymouth College.

Lindsay was part of the coaching team that worked with Olympic gold medallist and world champion Ruta Meilutyte, Great Britain’s Ben Proud plus a host of national age group and youth champions.

Grant said he was thrilled with the changes to the team – and wished Joanna all the best in her new job at UK Sport. 

He said: “It’s exciting times for the team as the Olympics Games is taking place in Tokyo next year and we also have the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham to prepare for.

Continue the great work

“I am delighted that someone of Lindsay’s ability has moved into the role of Coach Development Manager.

“As an outstanding talent officer, it is fitting that Swim England are able to promote internally to this highly sought after and credible role.

“I know Lindsay has the attributes to continue the great work that Joanna started a few years back. 

“Everyone at Swim England wishes Joanna the best of luck with her move to UK Sport and Lindsay in her new role.”

Grant said that Richard would lead on the Swim England extended pathway, be the pool technical lead, have responsibility for the Sheffield and Leeds National Performance Centres and be the regional contact for the North West, North East, West Midlands and East Midlands.

“The team are really pleased to have someone of the calibre and experience that Richard will bring to this role and the Talent Team as a whole,” said Grant.

“We are excited to welcome him and hoping his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm will add to the team and the swimming fraternity.”

To find out more about the work of the Swimming Talent Team, click here.