Loughborough through the years

1st swimmer makes Olympics

Jul 19, 1996

Janine Belton became the first Loughborough University swimmer to make it to the Olympics representing Team GB hosted in Atlanta, USA. Here she took part in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay.

Ian appointed director of swimming

Jan 1, 1997

Ian Armiger was made director of swimming at Loughborough University in 1997 where he still fulfills this role today. Others refer to him and his commitment to the club by calling him 'the special one'

Rosalind joins Janine at Olympics

Sep 15, 2000

The Olympics in 2000 held in Syndey, Australia again saw Janine Belton reprent Loughborough in Team GB this time taking Rosalind Brett with her also.

Princess Royal opens new pool

Oct 23, 2002

The University’s new aquatic centre is opened with its Olmpic style pool now refered to as 'the pool of dreams.'

James Gibson World Champion

Jul 31, 2003

Loughborough swimmer James Gibson became the 1st GB World Champion in 23 years in 2003 when he won the 50m breaststoke in a time of 27.79 at the World Championships in Barcelona, Spain.

8 swimmers make GB

Aug 13, 2004

8 Loughborough swimmers head to the 2004 Olympics held in Athens, Greece.

Tsunami aid

Jan 7, 2005

A team of Loughborough swimmers take part in sponsored swim to provide aid to millions of people left devastated by the Asia tsunami disaster. Olympians James Gibson, Mel Marshall, Lisa Chapman, Ros Brett, Sarah Price and Karen Lee were among 70 taking part in the marathon swim. They raised £10,000 in a 17 hour swim over 100,000m.

1st year breaks GB record

Jun 21, 2005

Caitlin McClatchey broke the longest standing record in Swansea in the 400m Freestyle. Swimming 4:07.02, McClatchey a Politics first year student, took over half a second off the previous record, which was made 19yrs earliar.

Gibson moves on...

Nov 10, 2006

James Gibson decides to leave Loughborough after coming from an unknown swimmer at the age of 18 to a World Champion. During his time at the University he also worked to a MSc degree in Politics & International Relations.

Davies moves to Loughborough

Sep 18, 2007

With Loughborough's success brings interest of British swimmers. Olympic and world championships bronze medallist Dave Davies relocated to Loughborough from Cardiff to train ahead of the Olympics the following year.

Crowded University of the Year

Oct 1, 2008

Loughborough won the title in 2008s Sunday Times University Guide. It was awarded to Loughborough in honour of the quality of teaching and research, consistent high rankings and outstanding success in sport.

Even greater GB representation

Dec 6, 2008

Loughborough's representation is stronger again as 11 swimmers take to the games in Beijing, China including young Caitlin McClatchey and David Davies.

Tancock breaks World Record

Aug 2, 2009

Liam Tancock wins gold on the 50 backstroke at the World Championships in Rome, setting a new World Record of 24.04.

Awarded BBC East Midlands team of 2009

Dec 4, 2009

Loughborough are crowded as the best club at the BBC ceremony.

Loughborough success

Aug 4, 2010

Loughborough swimmers claim 17 of Britain's 28 medals at the European Championships in Hungary.

Loughborough misses out on 3 medals

Jul 31, 2011

Loughborough finishes the Shanghai World Championships msising out on 3 medla sby 0.3 seconds! One of which was Fran Halsall who started the 50m freestyle final as the fastest qualifier