Inspiring so many is a legacy equally as important as any medal won

Swim England chief executive Andy Salmon reflects on an unforgettable Olympic Games for Team GB’s aquatic athletes.  

There may have only been one gold medal won by Team GB’s aquatic athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – but there were several golden moments which will live long in the annals of time.

Once again, it proved to be an historic Games – but, this time, it wasn’t only Team GB’s remarkable swimmers who stole the headlines at the stunning Paris La Defense Arena.

The diving team returned home with their highest ever medal haul from a single Olympics, achieving podium places in each of the four synchronised events, while picking up an individual bronze as well. 

However, the highlight for me was the heart-warming reaction of the incredible artistic swimming duet of Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe when it dawned on them they had won an Olympic medal.

Their silver on the penultimate day of the Games represented a seismic moment for the sport in this country.

Never had a Brit stood on the podium in an artistic swimming competition at an Olympic Games – but Kate and Izzy’s landmark achievement showed what can be realised through hard work, commitment, dedication and perseverance.

Kate and Izzy are a huge inspiration to so many youngsters who are dreaming of emulating their success – just as Adam Peaty, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix and every single member of Team GB also are.

Lifelong memories

Winning gold medals is something each and every athlete strived for – but Paris 2024 also showed that it’s not the be all and end all.

The raw and honest emotion expressed by Adam after his silver in the 100m Breaststroke final demonstrated that.

Being the best you can be might not always lead to touching home first or achieving the highest marks.

However, it can still lead to lifelong memories being created – and that was certainly the case for everyone in Paris.

Ensuring the next generation have that opportunity in the future is something we continue to strive for.

Too many facilities up and down the country are still at risk of closure as they come to the end of their lifespan and become too costly to run.

It’s essential there is funding available to make sure they are replaced so every person has access to a pool

Pinnacle of our sports

Access to water will lead to a small number of athletes representing their country at future Olympic games in Los Angeles, Melbourne and beyond – but we must also remember it’s a lifeline to so many for the huge physical and mental health benefits it offers.

There is simply no other activity like it – something which can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter how old they are or their physical condition.

Talking of access to water, it was amazing to see the marathon swimmers tackle the strong currents of the Seine surrounded by such iconic landmarks. 

Let’s hope the investment in cleaning up the River Seine does enable Parisians to experience the joy of open water swimming as one of the legacies of these Games and inspire more positive interventions back here in the UK.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the pinnacle of our sports and we look on with awe and pride at the achievements of those selected to showcase their considerable talent.

However, none of it would have been possible without that first trip to a swimming pool to learn a vital life skill.

So, I’d also like to thank the teachers who set them on that journey – and the clubs, coaches and countless volunteers who helped turn their dreams into reality.

Sincere congratulations

Not every teacher or coach will see one of their swimmers progress to an Olympic Games – but the wholehearted devotion they give to their roles is critical and we fully appreciate everything they do.

Finally, to our Paris 2024 medallists, I speak on behalf of everyone at Swim England in offering our sincere congratulations. To those who have announced their retirement or are thinking about it, thank you for being amazing role models.

However, we salute all our Olympic and Paralympic heroes competing in the French capital.

You all have inspired so many people of all ages simply by competing in Paris – and that is a legacy which is as equally important as any medal won.

We get a brief return to normality before all eyes return to our screens to watch the Paralympic Games. 

I guarantee viewers will find the athletic achievement of the Paralympics GB Team every bit as compelling, the competition as nail-biting and the back-stories even more inspiring. 

Bring it on!