British Olympic swimmer and longtime coach Clive Rushton has passed away from cancer at the age of 69.
Rushton was a 1972 Olympian for Great Britain, competing in the 100 meter backstroke, where he made the semifinals. Rushton would go on to a long career coaching and mentoring younger swimmers. Never losing his passion for the sport, Rushton stayed regularly engaged with swimming and contributed regularly to our comment section.
In December 2016, Rushton was diagnosed with a tumor in his neck that crushed vertebrae, leaving him in extreme pain. An avid blogger, Rushton chronicled the entire experience online, starting with this post retelling the discovery of the tumor.
Rushton would go on to narrate his entire experience from December until late April. You can find his full series of blog posts here, which accurately highlight Rushton’s wit and grace through adversity. In his most recent post, dated April 22, Rushton wrote that he had lost 80 kg (about 176 lbs) through chemotherapy.
He would eventually succumb to the cancer on Sunday, June 11th. The British swimming federation mourned the loss of Rushton on social media this morning:
British Swimming is saddened to learn of the passing of former GB swimmer & coach Clive Rushton. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/ZmTClSdyM6
— Aquatics GB (@Aquatics_GB) June 12, 2017
Rushton was 69 years old and had most recently lived in Bali, Indonesia. In his final blog post, Rushton said he wasn’t afraid of death, but still wanted to accomplish more in his life. Based on the outpouring of grief and love on social media at the news of his passing, though, it’s clear that what Rushton was able to accomplish in life and death had a truly profound impact on the people around him.
Breaks my heart to finally read this – I was one of his students when he was living in Bali, Indonesia. He was strict, wise and the most caring and understanding coach i’ve ever had. He knew exactly what I needed on certain days, and even the tiniest bit of correction on my strokes in order to reach my full potenial. He was one in a million to be very honest.
Clive was one of my idols and inspiration for me as a swimmer. I remember as a kid going to swim Rochdale as a member of Radcliffe swimming club. Clive was such a presence, and he always took time to talk to other swimmers who looked up to him. As I got to know him later, I loved his sense of humor. So sad to hear of his passing at such a young age. He will be missed. Safe travels Clive.
So so sad, Clive coached me as a child at central Milton Keynes, Clive and wife moira were fabulous xxxz
So sad. We knew each other when both swimming for Rochdale and were teenage boyfriend/girlfriend.
It was great being back in touch these last 5 years and I only messaged you the day before you died.
I shall miss your posts on Facebook. You kept us entertained and intelligently informed.
Deepest sympathy to Martini and all the family
Sue ( Aitken) Stephenson
This lovely fella and his wife Moira taught me to swim as a 7 year old kid at Rochdale Baths. I remember him giving all us learners tremendous encouragement and showing great positivity when things weren’t going well. RIP Clive. Thanks for teaching me one of life’s most important lessons..
So sad to hear this news. We were big mates in the 1960’s when we were swimmers at Rochdale Swimming Club. Not seen him for a long time but have many happy memories of our teen years swimming and enjoying being lads.
Many condolences to his family
Such a shame – Enjoyed & looked forward to his insights on online forums. Condolences to Clive’s family.
Whenever arguing with somebody never thinking that it could be the last time for this person ….. So sad that nothing can be replayed anymore to make it up to him,… to make it nicer. So sad…