Stewart Nicklin on sharing the joy of water with a generation

 

An experienced coach, Nicklin’s long-standing work with London Disability Swimming Club has given him an instinctive understanding of how to create genuinely inclusive spaces.

 

“It’s about making everyone feel comfortable,” said Nicklin.

 

“The aim is for the pool to be a welcoming, happy place, where anyone can come and ask whatever question they want to ask.

 

“Whether they can swim one length or 20, swimming is about complete freedom and independence. I’ve seen the feeling of weightlessness have an incredible impact.”

 

Nicklin remembers one example of a taster session that he coordinated at the London Aquatics Centre, giving members of the public a chance to try out the sport in between the morning and evening sessions at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.

 

“There was a boy called Elliot who turned up having never swum before,” remembers Nicklin.

 

“As soon as he got in the water, I could tell he was a natural. He was so filled with joy and happiness at being able to move around freely and he actually had the confidence to leap off the side of the pool without fear. That was so special to see.”

 

Nicklin has experience of coaching both disabled and non-disabled athletes, having started out at Stourbridge Swimming Club in the West Midlands, first working with disabled people at the UK School Games in 2009.

 

“I find working with para swimmers far more interesting,” said Nicklin, “because you have to tailor that individual’s technique to get the best out of them.

 

“We have to work together to come up with a plan for how we can best propel the athlete through the water. You could have two people with the same disability, and that plan will always be different.

 

“It’s all so unique, so completely different and it’s about how we can get them to swim to the best of their ability. Everyone has the same dream which is to achieve their potential.”

 

Nicklin’s highlight as a coach so far has been working with Brock Whiston, who won four World Championship gold medals in 2019 before taking Paralympic gold and silver at Paris 2024.

 

Whiston says: "I've had other coaches but Stewart stands out above the rest. He's always encouraging me and so supportive - when things aren't going right he’s always got something positive to say and brings joy to our training sessions. 

 

"I know I can talk to him about things both in and out of the pool. I'm so lucky to have him as my coach.”
 

Whether he is coaching Brock or Elliot, success is defined by each swimmer’s individual needs and expectations.

 

“It’s only ever about communication,” said Nicklin. “As a coach, you just need to relax and let them prove what they can do.”