Michael Gunning and Leon Taylor to host Swim England National Awards 2023

Two stars of the aquatics world will combine to present this year’s Swim England National Awards.

Olympic medal-winning diver Leon Taylor and former Great Britain and Jamaica international swimmer Michael Gunning will join forces to create one big celebration of aquatics this November.

Michael and Leon will host the event inside the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham on Saturday 18 November and tickets are available to purchase for those who would like to attend.

A number of awards are up for grabs which will highlight the commitment and passion of the aquatics community both in our sports and across the aquatics workforce.

Michael is excited to host the event once again after being the master of ceremonies in 2022.

He said: “I’m so excited to be returning to co-host the Swim England National Awards 2023.

“Last year, I had so much fun celebrating all the incredible achievements across aquatics and I have a feeling that this year is going to be bigger and better than ever.

“I’m really looking forward to the event and working alongside my good friend Leon.”

Celebrating aquatics

Leon, who won his Olympic silver medal in the 10m Platform alongside Pete Waterfield at the 2004 Athens Games, last hosted the event at the virtual ceremony in 2021, so he’s delighted to be able to enjoy the celebrations in person this time around.

He added: “The last time I hosted I was in my front room on Zoom and I think it was the first time I’ve ever worn shorts with a suit!

“So this year, I’m really looking forward to putting my full suit back on, joining you all as we return to the stunning Great Hall at the University of Birmingham.

“Make sure you grab your ticket for what will be a fun afternoon as we celebrate all things aquatics.

“Michael and I are really looking forward to hosting you. See you there!”

The Swim England National Awards will also present the latest inductees into the Swim England Hall of Fame where Mark Foster, Karen Pickering and Dawn Zajac were all added to the illustrious list last year.

If you would like to attend the Swim England National Awards 2023, tickets are now available to purchase until 1 November here.

Keep an eye on the Swim England website and social media channels in the build-up to the event as we reveal this year’s finalists.

You can find a full list of the awards and the awards criteria here.