A Cumbrian swimmer has been inducted into the county’s hall of fame.
Rosie Huggon, of Penrith Swimming Club, was inducted at the recent County Championships in Workington.
The club said Rosie’s lifelong dedication to the sport has left an enduring impact on the club and community.
Rosie follows in the footsteps of her late mother, Jenny Birtle, who also received a posthumous hall of fame induction.
A lifelong coach and advocate for swimming, Jenny’s contributions shaped generations of swimmers in Penrith and beyond.
The Birtle family’s five generations of involvement with the club highlight their deep-rooted passion for the sport.
A member of Penrith Swimming Club for nearly 60 years, Rosie began swimming at Frenchfield in the River Eamont aged four.
She competed at county and regional levels, became a National Champion, and represented her country in lifesaving. In 1982, she received the Royal Lifesaving Society’s Wilkinson Sword for her outstanding contributions.
Beyond competition, Rosie has played a crucial role in coaching and administration, serving as the club’s membership secretary for nearly 30 years and managing Cumbria’s inter-county team.
She was instrumental in raising £30,000, alongside her mother, to build the Frenchfield Teaching Pool, ensuring a lasting legacy for swimming education.
More recently, Rosie spearheaded fundraising efforts for Brain Tumour Research in memory of Susan Hebson, raising over £15,000. In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded life membership by Penrith Swimming Club in 2021 and became president of Cumbria ASA in 2023.
Jenny’s influence on swimming in Cumbria was immense. The daughter of club leader Herbert Chaplehow, she swam competitively before dedicating her life to teaching.
She helped establish Penrith Swimming Pool in 1970, continued coaching into her late 80s, and received distinguished honours from the Royal Lifesaving Society. She and her husband Fred also founded Birtle’s Sports in 1973, a business still run by Rosie today.
Jenny died in 2012, shortly after witnessing the London 2012 Olympic swimming events. Her legacy, alongside Rosie’s ongoing contributions, continues to shape swimming in Cumbria.
Luke Brown, committee member of Penrith Swimming Club, added: “We are incredibly proud of Rosie. Her passion and dedication to swimming, coaching, and fundraising are truly inspirational.
“Following in the footsteps of her late mother, Rosie continues to be a driving force behind our club’s success. This induction is a well-deserved honour.”
