Swim Wales proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of the Welsh aquatics community at the Swim Wales Annual Awards 2026, held on Saturday 17 January at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff.
Images by Malaper Photography.
The evening brought together people from across the Welsh sporting sector, alongside shortlisted providers, swim teachers, swim schools, athletes, coaches and clubs, to recognise excellence, dedication and impact across aquatics in Wales.
A Night to Celebrate Welsh Aquatics
The awards were hosted by Sian Eleri, Welsh radio and television presenter and former competitive club swimmer. Born and raised in Caernarfon, Sian’s longstanding connection to aquatics and passion for Welsh sport made her the perfect host for the occasion.
Guests also enjoyed an engaging Q&A panel hosted by retired Welsh international swimmer Dan Jervis. Dan was joined by an inspiring panel featuring Matt Richards MBE, Theodora Taylor, masters swimmer Helen Gorman, water polo player Will Bamborough, and para swimmer Ela Letton Jones, who shared insight into their journeys and experiences within aquatics.
The evening also included a special contribution from Team Wales, who kindly shared some insight into preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Swim Wales Annual Award Winners
Performance Athlete Award
Winner: Matthew Richards
Sponsored by: Morgan La Roche
Matt enjoyed another remarkable year, highlighted by winning World Championship gold in Singapore as part of the 4x200m Freestyle Relay team. He was also crowned British Champion, claiming gold in the 100m Freestyle at the Aquatics GB Championships 2025 in London. Matt continues to set new standards and inspire the next generation of swimmers.
Para Performance Athlete Award
Joint Winners: Dylan Broom & Rhys Darbey
Sponsored by: Everyone Active
Dylan Broom represented Great Britain at the Toyota World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, winning gold in his world debut as part of the 4x100m S14 mixed relay.
Rhys Darbey competed at his second World Para Swimming Championships, claiming silver in the S14 200m Individual Medley.
Young Performance Athlete Award
Winner: Theodora Taylor
Sponsored by: Everyone Active
At just 16 years old, Theodora has had an extraordinary year, setting multiple Welsh records, a British Age Group record, and winning medals across freestyle, butterfly and relay events.
Performance Coach Award
Winner: Tom Croke
Sponsored by: Freedom Leisure
Head Coach at Torfaen Dolphins, Tom has guided swimmers including Theodora Taylor and para swimmer Meghan Willis to national and international success, underpinned by a strong athlete-centred approach.
Performance Club Award
Winner: Torfaen Dolphins
Sponsored by: Everyone Active
With 15 swimmers selected across Swim Wales National Squads, Torfaen Dolphins provide an inclusive, high-performance environment supporting both swimmers and para swimmers.
Young Aquatic Athlete Award
Winner: Manon Lythgoe
Sponsored by: Everyone Active
Manon has enjoyed a fantastic year captaining the Wales Junior Women’s Water Polo Team, while also excelling in swimming, winning medals at the Swim Wales National Championships and Summer Meet.
Aquatic Athlete Award
Winner: Helen Gorman
Sponsored by: BDP Wales
An inspirational figure in masters swimming, Helen is the current world champion in the 100m and 200m breaststroke and has set numerous world records following outstanding performances at the World Masters Championships in Singapore.
Aquatic Club Award
Winner: Rhondda Swimming Club
Sponsored by: Legacy Leisure
Rhondda Swimming Club offers opportunities from beginner lessons through to competitive pathways and has worked closely with local authority learn to swim programmes to support its community.
Aquatic Coach Award
Winner: Laura Monico
Sponsored by: Empyrean Digital
Over the past two and a half years, Laura has transformed junior women’s water polo in Wales, demonstrating exceptional commitment and playing a key role in the sport’s growth.
Young Aquatic Volunteer Award
Winner: Cerys O’Connell
Sponsored by: Welsh Sport Association
From Nexus Valleys Swimming Club, Cerys is an outstanding young volunteer and assistant coach, giving countless hours to support swimmers while balancing her studies.
Aquatic Volunteer Award
Winner: Heidi Lythgoe
Sponsored by: Halo
Heidi plays a vital role in supporting women and girls in water polo, acting as team manager for the Junior Women’s Development Squad and supporting athletes at national and international competitions.
Swim School Award
Winner: Swim Narberth
Sponsored by: Sport Passport
Swim Narberth delivers high-quality lessons for adults and children across Pembrokeshire and has grown into a thriving community swim school.
Aquatic Teacher Award
Joint Winners: Alice Brumby-Jones & Lucy Christopher-Barnes
Sponsored by: Freedom Leisure
Alice Brumby-Jones has delivered over 700 hours of high-quality lessons across Learn to Swim Wales frameworks and is a key mentor at Swim Narberth.
Lucy Christopher-Barnes has transformed Adult and Child lessons, grown adult programmes, and supports colleagues as a mentor and Deputy Pool Manager.
Learn to Swim Provider Award
Winner: Freedom Leisure
Sponsored by: HSJ Accountants
Freedom Leisure delivered inclusive swimming lessons to over 12,000 participants across 19 Welsh sites, including Welsh-language and disability-friendly programmes.
School Swimming & Water Safety Award
Winner: Nofio Ysgol Caerdydd
Sponsored by: Legacy Leisure
The programme has transformed school swimming in Cardiff by increasing participation and collaborating with partners to improve access for children.
Diversity & Inclusion Impact Award
Joint Winners: Black Swimming Association & Halo Leisure
Sponsored by: Perspective HR
BSA Wales promoted inclusion through the Together We Can water safety programme, training volunteers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Diversity & Inclusion Impact Award
Joint Winners: Black Swimming Association & Halo Leisure
Sponsored by: Perspective HR
Halo Leisure delivered autism-friendly swimming lessons, helping children build confidence and vital life skills.
Community, Health & Sustainability Impact Award
Winner: Freedom Leisure
Sponsored by: Goodboost
In 2025, Freedom Leisure supported inclusive swimming lessons, delivered an aquatic volunteer programme for young people, and secured funding to reduce energy costs.
Outstanding Contribution Award
Winner: Billy Pye
Sponsored by: Halo Leisure
Billy Pye has dedicated his life to aquatics, from competitor to volunteer to one of Britain’s most respected coaches. Former Head Coach of British Disability Swimming, Billy has coached Paralympic legends including Ellie Simmonds and David Roberts, guiding athletes to world records and podium success across Commonwealth, European, World and Paralympic competition. Awarded an MBE in 2008, Billy continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of coaches.
Thank You
Swim Wales would like to thank all award sponsors for their continued support:
Everyone Active, Freedom Leisure, Speedo, SA1 Solutions, Morgan La Roche, Legacy Leisure, Halo Leisure, Empyrean Digital, HSJ Accountants, Perspective HR, Goodboost, Sport Passport and BDP Wales.
Congratulations to all winners, shortlisted nominees and everyone who continues to make aquatics thrive in Wales.
