Lanarkshire Swimming Coach Receives Prestigious Honour
Head coach Karen Kelly of Lanark Amateur Swimming Club has been honoured with the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list for her remarkable dedication to the club spanning over 50 years. Karen’s commitment to coaching young swimmers has been recognised for its outstanding impact on the community. Starting at the club at the age of 10 and later transitioning into a coaching role at 16, Karen has guided generations of swimmers to numerous titles and personal achievements. Her contributions to the club were celebrated on Hogmanay during her regular early-morning training session with young members.
Karen shared her surprise upon receiving the nomination, attributing the success to the hard work of the entire club. She emphasized her love for coaching and witnessing swimmers from a small club like Lanark excel at national levels. She runs six weekly training sessions for the club’s 80 members, ranging from nine-year-olds to young adults. Aside from coaching, Karen dedicates significant time to administrative tasks and competition entries.
Balancing her volunteering with a day job in administration at the St Andrew’s hub in Carluke, Karen’s passion for swimming shines through her dedication to helping every swimmer reach their full potential. The news of her royal honour was met with excitement from the club members, who value the supportive and close-knit community fostered by Karen. Her impact on the club has been profound, with her coaching producing national and district champions, earning accolades from various sporting bodies.
Karen’s influence extends beyond the pool, as she received recognition from neighbouring swimming coaches and a commendation at the House of Commons for her outstanding volunteer work. Her dedication and inspiration have been crucial in shaping the club’s success over the years. Looking ahead, Karen is set to receive a special presentation of her British Empire Medal at a Lanarkshire venue in the coming months, further acknowledging her invaluable contributions to the swimming community.
Overall, Karen Kelly’s recognition in the New Year Honours list serves as a testament to the transformative power of volunteering and coaching in sports, highlighting the positive impact individuals can have on their communities through dedication and passion.