Three Cumbrian swimmers have been inducted into the county’s hall of fame.
Ian Powley, Colin Hill, and Chloe Wilcox, members of Penrith Swimming Club, were honoured for their exceptional lifelong contributions to aquatic sport.
Ian, a stalwart of Penrith Swimming Club, has dedicated over six decades to the development of swimming in Penrith and across Cumbria.
Beginning his journey at the Frenchfield Pool on the River Eamont aged 14, Ian has served in numerous leadership roles at the club, including chairman, referee, gala organiser, county and regional representative, and currently as club president.
Now 84, he still coaches voluntarily three nights a week.
A former president of Cumbria ASA (2005–2006), Ian’s contributions have been recognised through numerous awards, including the Swim England North West Long Service Award and the Cumbria Sports Award for Service to Sport.
He remains a pillar of the local swimming community, presenting trophies at the club’s annual awards and giving his name to the Ian Powley Cup.
Colin began his swimming journey at a young age but has since become an internationally recognised figure in open water swimming.
A coach, competitor, and event organiser, Colin was technical operations manager for the London 2012 Olympic Marathon Swim and went on to found SwimSecure and Chillswim, the company behind iconic events such as the Big Chill Swim and Coniston End to End.
He also directs Ullswater Swim Place, promoting open water swimming year-round.
Colin is a decorated ice swimmer, the first UK male to complete an IISA Ice Mile and a multiple international medallist.
He trains regularly with Penrith Swimming Club’s Masters squad. His achievements have earned him a place in both the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the Ice Swimming Hall of Fame.
Chloe Wilcox, who began her competitive journey with Penrith Swimming Club, went on to captain Great Britain’s first ever Olympic Women’s Water Polo team at the London 2012 Games, scoring seven goals across six matches.
Her early water polo experience was developed through local clubs then Sheffield clubs, before joining the Grantham Water Polo Academy.
She has played professionally in Spain and Australia and has also coached GB women’s teams.
Chloe now works as director of aquatics at a school in Australia.
Ian Richardson, president of Cumbria ASA, said: “The Cumbria Swimming Hall of Fame was established to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to aquatics in the county.
“It is an honour to welcome such dedicated and inspiring individuals from Penrith into our hall of fame, joining the ranks of others who have shaped the landscape of swimming in Cumbria.”
John Conery, chair of Cumbria ASA, added: “Each of these individuals has left a lasting legacy not only in Cumbria but far beyond.
“Their stories showcase the strength of community, the power of volunteering, and the heights that can be reached with passion and commitment.”
