‘Amazing achievements’ recognised in New Year Honours List

Swim England has congratulated a number of people who have been recognised for their ‘amazing achievements’ in the New Year Honours List.

A total of 1,107 have been named on the annual list including five who have played a key role in services to swimming and sport.

Three are to receive an MBE, with two being awarded a British Empire Medal.

Pauline Barker, the founder of Devon and Cornwall Wild Swimming, is awarded an MBE for services to swimming in South West England.

She formed the group in 2010 with the aim of promoting open water swimming in the two counties.

Initially, it only had five members but now has more than 10,000.

Pauline became the first woman in the world to have completed 10 ice miles in 2018 – which is an unassisted swim of at least 1,609.3m in water of 5C or colder, wearing only the basics of swimsuit, hat and goggles.

In 2021, five of her ice miles were recognised as ‘Extreme Ice Miles’ – on of only three people to have accomplished the achievement.

Also receiving an MBE is Chris Long, the chair of Putteridge Swimming Club.

Inspiration to us all

Chris is also the founder and director of Earthdive and has been honoured for services to Marine Conservation, to Charity and to Sport.

Meanwhile, the project director of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre has also been awarded an MBE for his services to Sport and to the community in the West Midlands

Chris Jones oversaw the development of the Commonwealth Games venue for the swimming and diving competitions at Birmingham 2022.

Two swimming coaches have also been awarded a British Empire Medal.

Joanne Barber is the head coach at North East Disability Swimming Club and has been recognised for services to the community in North East England.

Bridgefield Swimming Club coach Vernon Davis also receives a British Empire Medal for services to Swimming in Liverpool.

Jane, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021, congratulated everyone on their accolades.

She said: “It’s wonderful to see that the hard work and commitment people give to our sports is deservedly recognised in this way.

“On behalf of everyone at Swim England, I’d like to pass on my congratulations to those who have been honoured for their amazing achievements – they are an inspiration to us all.”