Diolch yn fawr iawn to everyone who contributed to the Swim Wales Annual Awards 2025! This year’s celebration of excellence in Welsh aquatics was a night to remember, honouring the incredible dedication, achievements, and contributions of individuals and organisations across the country.
Held at the Mercure Hotel, Cardiff, the event brought together athletes, coaches, clubs, volunteers, aquatic professionals and providers to recognise their outstanding efforts throughout 2024. A huge thank you to our headline sponsors Speedo UK, along with all award sponsors and attendees, for making the evening possible.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all nominees, shortlisters, and award winners. Your hard work and commitment continue to make a profound impact on Welsh aquatics, inspiring future generations to engage with aquatics, water safety, and performance sports.
The evening was made even more special with performances from Welsh singer Clara Greening and poet and Hip Hop artist Duke Al Durham, along with inspiring talks from Swim Wales CEO Fergus Feeney.
Swim Wales Annual Awards 2025 – Winners and Shortlisters
Young Performance Athlete Award 2025 / Gwobr Athletwr Perfformiad Ifanc 2025
Winner: Theodora Taylor
Shortlister: Benedict McCarthy
Award Sponsor: Swansea University
Performance Athlete Award 2025 / Gwobr Athletwr Perfformiad 2025
Winner: Matthew Richards MBE
Shortlister: Kieran Bird
Award Sponsor: Morgan LaRoche
Para Performance Athlete Award 2025 / Gwobr Para Athletwr Perfformiad 2025
Winner: Rhys Darbey
Shortlister: Lily Rice
Shortlister: Meghan Willis
Award Sponsor: Everyone Active
Performance Coach Award 2025 / Gwobr Hyfforddwr Perfformiad 2025
Winner: Hayley Baker
Shortlister: Craig Breeze
Award Sponsor: UK Coaching
Performance Club Award 2025 / Gwobr Clwb Perfformiad 2025
Winner: City of Cardiff Swimming Club
Shortlister: Torfaen Dolphins
Award Sponsor: Freedom Leisure
City of Cardiff Swimming Club were awarded Performance Club of the Year Award.
Young Aquatic Athlete Award 2025 / Gwobr Athletwr Dŵr Ifanc 2025
Winner: Harrison Owens
Shortlister: Manon Lythgoe
Award Sponsor: Everyone Active
Aquatic Athlete Award 2025 / Gwobr Athletwr Dŵr 2025
Winner: Jodie Davis
Shortlister: Ian Powell
Award Sponsor: Welsh Sports Association
Aquatic Coach Award 2025 / Gwobr Hyfforddwr Dŵr 2025
Winner: Jason James
Shortlister: Nigel Davies
Award Sponsor: Sport Passport
Aquatic Club Award 2025 / Gwobr Clwb Campau Dŵr 2025
Winner: Chirk Dragons Swimming Club
Shortlisters: Welsh Wanderers Water Polo Club
Award Sponsor: Accountability
Swim School Award 2025 / Gwobr Ysgol Nofio 2025
Winner: Swim Smart with Heather
Shortlisers: Plas Menai
Award Sponsors: Sport Passport
Swim Smart with Heather Scooped Swim School of the Year Award 2025
Learn to Swim Provider Award 2025 / Gwobr Darparwr Dysgu Nofio 2025
Winner: Freedom Leisure
Shortlister: Legacy Leisure
Award Sponsor: BDP Wales
Aquatic Teacher Award 2025 / Gwobr Athro Campau Dŵr 2025
Winner: Brian Jones
Shortlister: Mario Filipe
Award Sponsor: GLL
School Swimming & Water Safety Impact Award 2025 / Gwobr Effaith ar Nofio a Diogelwch Dŵr Ysgolion 2025
Winners: Swim Safe Cymru Providers: Byw’n Iach, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Mon Actif Swim, Conwy Council, Rhyl RNLI, Windswept CIC, Parkwood Leisure, Urdd.
Shortlister: South Whales Swim School
Award Sponsor: Legacy Leisure
Community Impact Award 2025 / Gwobr Effaith ar y Gymuned 2025
Winners: Halo – Feel good for life, Dementia Friendly Swimming
Shortlisters: Ystradgynlais Sblash & Sbri
Award Sponsors: Legacy Leisure
Health Impact Award 2025 / Gwobr Effaith ar Iechyd 2025
Winner: Caerphilly Sport & Leisure Services
Shortlister: Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL)
Award Sponsors: GoodBoost
Inclusion Impact Award 2025 / Gwobr Effaith Cynhwysiant 2025
Winner: Sarah Lee Simplee Swim School
Shortlister: Ystradgynlais Sensory Swimming Lessons
Award Sponsors: Perspective HR
Sarah Lee Simplee Swim School won the Swim Wales Inclusion Impact Award
Sustainability Initiative Award 2025 / Gwobr Menter Cynaliadwyedd 2025
Winner: Freedom Leisure
Award Sponsor: Halo Leisure
Aquatic Technical Official Award 2025 / Gwobr Swyddog Technegol Campau Dŵr 2025
Winner: Nicola Gruffydd
Shortlister: Michael Jukes
Award Sponsor: Emyprean Digital
Young Aquatic Volunteer Award 2025 / Gwobr Gwirfoddolwr Campau Dŵr Ifanc 2025
Winner: Teyan Burt
Shortlister: Cameron Gilchrist
Award Sponsor: Emyprean Digital
Aquatic Volunteer Award 2025 / Gwobr Gwirfoddolwr Campau Dŵr 2025
Winner: Adrian Edwards
Shortlister: Becky Davies
Award Sponsor: Halo Leisure
Aquatic Educator Award 2025 / Gwobr Addysgwr Campau Dŵr 2025
Winner: David Thomas
Award Sponsor: HSJ Accountants
Outstanding Contribution Award 2025 / Gwobr Addysgwr Campau Dŵr 2025
Winner: Ann and Bob Adams
Shortlister: Alan and Sheilah Roberts
Award Sponsors: Freedom Leisure
Ann and Bob Adams were awarded Outstanding Contribution to Aquatics Award.
Looking Ahead
The Swim Wales Annual Awards continue to be a highlight in the Welsh aquatics calendar, celebrating the passion and excellence within our community. We look forward to another fantastic year of achievements and cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store.
Stay tuned for updates on next year’s Swim Wales Annual Awards – we can’t wait to celebrate with you again!
