Eleanor's Journey
Eleanor Walsh was Assistant Manager at Cockermouth Leisure Centre when the pool opened 19th May 1978. The pool was built as an addition to the Sports Hall and Gym. Cockermouth Swimming club was formed before the opening and the first club pool session took place on the night the pool opened.
Eleanor has been very much big parts of the swimming programme from the word go, organising swimming lessons for the local children and adults alike.
A structured swim school programme was introduced into the centre around 1996. Two of the swim teachers, Tina and Jane, who were asked to come and help teach the swimming lessons are still here today teaching children the valuable skill of swimming.
As well as running a successful swimming programme Eleanor has been part of the Cockermouth Amateur Swim Club coaching staff since its formation in 1978. Along with numerous Cumbrian swimming successes there have been numerous International representations and successes;
International Representations
1984 Stephanie Parker won Bronze in European Juniors in Luxembourg. She also represented England on numerous occasions
1986 Myra O'Fee represented England in the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh
1989 Helen Walsh represented GB in European Championships
1991 Helen & Kevin Walsh swam for GB in World Student Games in Sheffield
1992 Katie Burke & John Dougall represented Scotland for the first time
1995 Kevin Walsh represented GB in World Student Games in Buffalo
1998 Emily Crookall-Nixon swam for the Isle of Man in the Commonwealth Games
2001 Chere Richards made her debut for Scotland
2002 Emma Sandwith won 2 golds for England at the World School Games
2003 Michael Stephenson Bronze European Juniors
2003 Craig Elliot European Championships
2013 Lucy McKenzie European Juniors
2014 - 2017 Tom Milburn 3 European Junior & 3 World Junior Open Water
2014 onwards Luke Greenbank European Juniors, Seniors, Commonwealth Games & World Champs including a World Junior record in Baku in 2015
2016 Edward Baxter Gold in Youth Commonwealth Games
2018 onwards Jacob Leach England & GB Paralympic events
Held Cumbria Trophy since 1989 for most points in County Championships
Tommy Hatch Trophy for most points in County Age Groups since 1991
In 2019 Cockermouth Swim club were ranked number 1 in the country for Amateur swim clubs, a huge success for the club.
In 2020 Eleanor is still very much a part of the Cockermouth Swim Club coaching staff and works alongside Sean Balmer in helping to produce the next generation of swimmers.