Runnymede Swimming Club were delighted to welcome ex-Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Adam Whitehead to their Club last Friday evening as part of the Sporting Champions initiative, sponsored by Sport England, which brings world-class athletes face-to-face with young people to inspire and motivate them to participate in sport.

The Club was nominated for the visit by Castle Point Sports Council and were lucky enough to be selected for a free visit from one of the Sporting Champions.

Adam Whitehead, a former European and Commonwealth Champion.  swam at 5 European Championships (gaining Gold in 1998 and Bronze in 1999 in the 200m breaststroke), 2 Commonwealth Games (winning Gold in 2002 for the 100m breaststroke, 2 silver medals and 1 bronze medal), and 2 World Championships (finishing just out side the medals, in 4th, in 1999) and became an Olympian in the year 2000. Adam represented Great Britain for 10 years and was Commonwealth Games Record holder for the men’s 100 metres Breaststroke.

During the 3-hour visit to Runnymede Adam helped the Club’s Coaching Team working with the swimmers in all  squads including demonstrating stroke techniques in the water and a talk on his achievements in the pool, advice on competition swimming, the importance of involvement in sport for all, and his vision for the future of swimming.

Adam also spent time with the Club’s January and February Jack Petchey Achievement Award winners, 11 year olds Kayleigh Sims and Rory Geoghegan presenting them with their certificates and awards. The two were recognized by the Club for their hard work in training and recent success at this years Essex County ASA Championships.

Club Secretary, Heather Davis who helped organise the visit said we were delighted that Adam could come down to their club;  all the club members will take inspiration from his time with us, and maybe one day one of them will go on and emulate his achievements.”  Before leaving for his long journey back home to Coventry Adam signed autographs and posed for photographs with the youngsters as a memento of the day.