TAVISTOCK Swimming Club’s head coach, James Lake, triumphed over coaches in a wide variety of other sports to be named ‘Coach of the Year’ at the Devon Sports Awards 2019 last Thursday. 

James was presented with his award by BBC Spotlight’s Jenny Walrond, who was also compere at the prestigious event held in the conference centre at Sandy Park, Exeter.

The awards, often referred to as ‘the Oscars of Devon sport’, recognise those who inspire people to participate at all levels of sport and physical activity. 

James, who describes his coaching philosophy as helping his swimmers to enjoy their swimming while working to achieve their goals, learned to swim with the club as a founder member when Meadowlands Pool opened in June 1990.

He went on to swim competitively at national level. After completing his university degree, James returned as head coach to the club, which now has around 100 strong swimming members, aged from seven to 67. They range in ability from those swimming only for fitness to those competing at international level. 

Despite this variety, James is involved in coaching them all.  Members describe him as having ‘an incredible passion for teaching, coaching and encouraging others to progress in swimming’ and ‘an exceptional talent for gaining the best from any level of swimmer’.  As well as coaching at club level, six days a week, he regularly teaches younger children.

James, who described himself ‘speechless’ about his win, said: ‘I’m always over the moon when I see a swimmer improve a personal best performance. 

‘Sometimes people join, not knowing what they want and go on to hit levels which they never knew they had in them. That’s what sport is about; giving it a go.’