Kevin Rensahw

Renshaw to leave Aquatics GB after two decades

23 Dec 2024

Kevin Renshaw is leaving Aquatics GB after two decades of service and impact across multiple roles on the Olympic swimming programme.

Kevin's current role is Performance Pathway and Distance Lead for Swimming, with the 2024 season seeing Hector Pardoe win bronze in the Men's 10km marathon swimming contest at February's World Aquatics Championships, and three athletes - Pardoe, Toby Robinson and Leah Crisp - qualifying for the Olympic Games, the first time GB had that many swimmers in the marathon swimming events since Beijing 2008. Pardoe placed sixth in the Men's 10km final, with Crisp and Robinson completing a hat-trick of top-20 finishes for the Brits.

From a Performance Pathway perspective, Kevin has played an important part in the development of future talent over the past eight years, working closely with athletes and coaches across Aquatics GB's World Class Programme - many of whom have gone on to have major senior international success.

Previous to his current position, he spent three years as Head Coach at the Aquatics GB Performance Centre Loughborough (then British Swimming National Centre), having been a Senior Coach and guiding David Davies to a memorable Men's 10km bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games before that. In total, he was on the GB coaching team for three Olympic Games - including that memorable Beijing moment for Davies - and nine World Championships, while acting as Head Coach for Team England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Speaking on his departure, Kevin said: "I am very sad to leave such a brilliant organisation, but the time is right for me to move on. I have loved my time with Aquatics GB and have so many memories to cherish.

"I still have a huge passion for the sport, and even more so for the swimmers, and it is they that have always motivated me to throw myself wholeheartedly into whichever role I have had. I will miss everyone so much, especially all of the amazing athletes. I will continue to support and champion Aquatics GB from the outside, and I wish everyone all the success they deserve."

On Renshaw’s impact at Aquatics GB over the last 20 years, Aquatics GB Performance Director Chris Spice said: “Kevin has been influential in a number of roles for us, with his recent impact helping to drive growth and development across our distance swimming programme – a development that was clear to see with this year’s Olympic qualifications.

“As well as coaching senior athletes to major meet success over the years, his role in bringing through and overseeing the next generation of British swimmers has been so important. Some of those athletes are thriving now to win Olympic, World and European titles, while others are beginning to make themselves known and are sure to have exciting careers in the years to come – something for which Kevin should be very proud.

“I know that everyone at Aquatics GB will join me in wishing him all the best for the future.”