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9 Feb 2010 16:03:00
A much loved and admired former Olympic swimming coach from the University of Bedfordshire has passed away.
Helen Elkington was an internationally renowned expert in the field of swimming and taught literally thousands of people in the Bedford area to swim. She died on Thursday aged 70 after a short illness.
She worked at the Lansdowne Road site of Bedford College of Higher Education and then De Montfort University from the early 1970s.
Despite officially retiring from her position as principal lecturer in 2004, she continued to monitor all the swimming sessions undertaken by the University of Bedfordshire right up until Christmas 2009.
Helen had said: “I enjoy the coaching as the students keep me young as they have such a sense of fun.”
She was even featured on the BBC’s regional news show, Look East, over the summer where she was interviewed by guest presenter Mark Foster, the former Olympian and star of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, to promote her synchronised swimming class.
Angie Newton, Principal Lecturer in Physical Education at the University of Bedfordshire, had known Helen for 37 years, first as a student and latterly as a colleague.
She said: “Helen has worked tirelessly for 37 years in Bedford to maintain exacting standards in the teaching of swimming. She has passed on her legacy to thousands of PE teachers during that time.
“Her work was characterised by her charisma, enthusiasm and dedication. She was an inspirational figure and a credit to the teaching profession.”
Helen had been teaching swimming for more than 50 years and was a leading authority in the field, having lectured at conferences all over the world. Her impressive list of publications included ‘Swimming: a Handbook for Teachers’, which was printed three decades ago and is still used as a reference book by swimming teachers today.
She was stroke coach to the Great Britain Olympic swimming team at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 and junior British synchronised swimming team coach from 1971 to 1977.
She has also worked as a commentator for both the BBC and ITV and, in 1988, she led the synchronised swimming commentary at the Seoul Olympics.
Her achievements as a swimming coach were recognised by the National Coaching Foundation in 1998 when she was inaugurated into the coaching hall of fame - the highest honour for coaches in any sport. She joined the likes of World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey, Torvill and Dean’s mentor Betty Callaway and athletics supremo Ron Pickering.
Helen was also honoured at one of the last ceremonies of the former De Montfort University when she received an honorary degree. She was awarded an Honorary Master of Arts in 2006 for her achievements in the world of swimming.
The University of Bedfordshire’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon CBE, said: “Helen and her dog, Baxter, were well known on campus at Bedford and she will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Helen’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Her funeral is taking place next Wednesday (17 February) at St James’ Church in Biddenham at 11.15am followed by Bedford Crematorium at 12.15pm.
Latest news» 2010» February» Final farewell to swimming legend
