Swim England

A nation swimming

John White awarded UK Coaching Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2017 UK Coaching Awards took place last night. John White, a swimming coach from Margate in Kent, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

After receiving the Award John said: “I am shocked to have been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s a great honour to have even been nominated with some of the greatest coaches in the country. What a fitting end to my career, to win this just before I retire.”

The 80-year-old has dedicated his life to swimming, putting 43 years of coaching into the sport and developing three clubs in East Kent. He celebrated his birthday just four days ago and will be retiring this month following a long and successful coaching career.

John’s coaching skills have helped develop swimmers in Thanet, with many advancing to compete at all levels including international.

As well as helping swimmers to progress he has also helped to develop many coaches and volunteers. He affectionately refers to these people as “his angels”, many of whom have completed aquatic accredited qualifications and taken up paid employment in swimming across the world.

White’s dedication has never faltered

An electrician by trade, John’s dedication to swimming has never faltered. Regular 5:30am starts, late night sessions and weekend swimming meets have been common place – even a hip replacement hasn’t slowed him down.

George Wood, Sport Development Director said: “Swim England is delighted that John’s lifelong dedication to the sport has been recognised at the prestigious UK Coaching Awards.  His commitment is remarkable and has made a difference to so many people.  Coaches such as John are the lifeblood of our sport and this award is richly deserved.”

Mark Gannon, Chief Executive Officer of UK Coaching said: “The 20th Anniversary of the Awards has seen some of the best examples of coaching throughout the nation celebrated. We would like to thank all of the finalists for their incredible services to coaching.”

John was jointly awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award with Malcolm Brown, a Triathlon Coach from Leeds.

Find out more about the UK Coaching Awards.

Top