​An Olympian has voiced deep disappointment over the closure of a swimming club that helped shape her sporting journey. Jazz Carlin, who claimed two silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, began her training in Swindon with Tigersharks. Speaking to Radio Wiltshire, she recalled how the club had a profound influence on her life, saying, “I really wouldn’t be where I am today without Tigersharks. It gave me discipline and taught me resilience from a really early age.”
Tigersharks, established in 1975, has announced that it will close on 31 August due to a financial deficit. Directors cited rising pool costs and falling participation numbers as contributing factors and stated that all practical options to rescue the club had been exhausted. The executive committee confirmed the impending closure to the BBC, explaining that the club would run out of funds by December. An email sent to members outlined the decision: “The closure of Tigersharks on 31 August 2026 is… not one we have taken lightly, but it is the only responsible course of action available to us.” The message also expressed gratitude to those who had attempted to salvage the club and emphasized a commitment to smoothing the transition for all members.
During its history, the club trained at facilities such as Health Hydro and the Link Centre. Carlin, pictured as a young swimmer with the Tigersharks, reflected on the influence of her early coach, the late Phil Millard, who mentored her up to the age of 14. She recalled calling him before her Rio race, noting that while he was merely her local coach, he remained incredibly influential. “I think a lot of people often like to focus on medals and those winning moments, but for me the best memories were being at the back of the swimming bus, singing songs on the way to our local and team competitions,” she said.
Tigersharks has cultivated a number of successful competitors beyond Carlin, including Paralympian Suzanna Hext and Olympians Jaime King and Grant Turner. Carlin emphasized the club’s rich history, saying, “Not just from the Olympians they’ve produced or the medals they’ve brought to the club, but also the people who have been part of it—the support and the incredible community that has been built.” Rich Smith, the head coach, has led the club for three years after previously coaching at Marlborough Penguins; however, he will be made redundant as a result of the closure. Smith described the news as a shock, acknowledging the significant impact of Tigersharks’ disappearance and reflecting on how he had worked to move the club forward.
Founded in 1975 as Thamesdown Swim Squad by Swindon parents, Tigersharks has a long history in the local swimming scene. The club’s end marks the loss of a community hub that helped develop talent across generations. As supporters and members look to navigate the transition, many reflect on the personal memories—early coaching moments, shared journeys to competitions, and the camaraderie that defined their time with Tigersharks. While the closure is a setback for swimmers of all ages, Carlin’s memories underscore the club’s enduring legacy in shaping athletes who reached the highest levels of sport.