Date posted 17 Feb 2020
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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.