Alumnus appointed to enhance global standards for World Aquatics

James Gibson stands next to his Hall of Fame image displayed on campus. Image taken in 2011.

James Gibson stands next to his Hall of Fame image displayed on campus. Image taken in 2011.

James Gibson MBE OLY has been appointed by World Aquatics to advise and execute a coaching strategy that will support World Aquatics’ Development Centres and National Federations worldwide.

Gibson had a successful swimming career which included a World title, Gold and Bronze medals at the 2003 World Championships, and he made British Commonwealth records in the 50m and 100m breaststroke.

He competed for GB in the Olympics, FINA World Championships and European Championships and for England in the Commonwealth Games. Gibson has since moved into coaching.

His new role with World Aquatics - the world governing body for all aquatics formerly known as FINA - will see him enhance universal coaching standards. He will provide on-site coaching, guidance and educational support for coaches across the centres, and he will also work with national federations to ensure coaches are well-equipped to provide athletes with the means to succeed.

World Aquatics scholarship holders will have the opportunity to benefit from world-class coaching from wherever they are based as Gibson unifies the coaching framework across the facilities. His responsibilities will include implementing a strategy for the World Aquatics Coaches Certification Programme and he will play a key ambassadorial role at World Aquatics events.

The alumnus graduated from Loughborough in 2001 with a degree in Politics and Economics. Recognising his success, James was inducted into the Loughborough Sport Hall of Fame in 2011 (pictured). He also has an MBE for services to sport.

Congratulations, James.

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