England’s Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) held its 2nd annual Aquatic Awards ceremony late last month, where swimmers, coaches and volunteers were recognized across 19 different categories. The event took place at University of Birmingham’s Great Hall, with Paralympic Champion Ellie Robinson and Olympic bronze medalist Daniel Goodfellow serving as presenters.
Of the event, Interim Chief Executive of the ASA, Jane Nickerson, said, “We have many fantastic people involved in our sport and the annual Aquatics Awards are our opportunity to recognise the great contribution that is made every day by our volunteers, teachers, coaches and partners.
“The Awards is also an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements within the aquatics community. From the individuals who have overcome personal obstacles to learn how to swim, to the athletes who have represented their Clubs and country.
“All our nominees are great ambassadors for our sport and it is wonderful to be able to recognise their achievements.”
Among the award winners was the 2016 Performance Athlete of the Year for Open Water, Jack Burnell. Burnell qualified and competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and also scored a silver at the European OPen Water Championships this year.
Burnell said, “The award is for everyone, especially my parents and the support network I have got at home. But also the staff at Loughborough have been absolutely brilliant so the award is not just for me.
“The Rio 2016 Olympic Games was the pinnacle of my career so far, and we didn’t get the result that we wanted. For me, it’s just about getting back in there and proving that I am the best in the world.”
Rose Foden earned ASA England Programmes Athlete of the Year for Open Water Swimming, recognizing her qualification for both the World Open Water Junior Championships and the European Junior Open Water Championships this year.
After receiving the award, Foden said, “It’s an amazing feeling, there’s so many amazing people here. You hear all their stories and all of the things they do for swimming, and it feels incredible to be amongst them.
“I just want to be the best swimmer I can, and keep on improving. I love open water, it’s something that is a bit different and exciting.”
Other notable winners on the night included Hatfield Swim Club, which earned ASA Club of the Year Gold and Mel Marshall, the recipient of ASA Coach of the Year Gold recognition. England Programmers Athlete of the Year for Swimming was earned by Tim Shuttleworth, while current world record holder Adam Peaty was named Performance Athlete of the Year for Swimming.
The entire list of winners can be seen here.
