Mansfield's Mr Swimming wins best coach award for fourth time

Glenn Smith, dubbed ‘Mr Swimming’ after 25 years’ experience in the sport, was named performance coach of the year for the fourth time at the Nottinghamshire Sports Awards.

It followed a glorious year for two of his star proteges, Ollie Hynd and Charlotte Henshaw, who won medals at the Paralympic Games in Rio and at the European Championships in Portugal. And it is further testament to his influence with other top swimmers who have come under his wing, most notably double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington and Ollie’s brother, Sam Hynd, a former Paralympic, world and European gold medallist.

“I am hugely honoured to receive this award,” said Smith. “It has been a momentous year for me and for the amazingly dedicated swimmers that I coach.”

Smith is Mansfield District Council’s swim coach and development officer, and also coaches the cream of the county’s swimmers at the Nova Centurion club, which is based in Mansfield. So what is the secret behind his knack for spotting and nuturing talent, helping swimmers grow and ensuring they develop and reach their potential?

“Throughout my career, my coaching philosophy has always been to inspire my swimmers,” he said. “I am their eyes, seeing what they don’t, giving sound instruction to help them improve and to encourage them to go that extra mile in training and competition. I believe in going beyond what’s expected to create success.

“There aren’t any easy doors to open in performance sport. Working with swimmers such as Ollie, Charlotte, Sam and a host of other national competitors has inspired and driven me to strive for excellence, and my hope is to share what I’ve learned with others.”

Smith has now won numerous coach-of-the-year awards over the years, including this one also in 2006, 2009 and 2012. This time, he beat off stiff competition from other top coaches in ice-skating, canoeing and gymnastics, as well as the Papplewick-based para-dressage coach Angela Weiss.

For good measure, Ollie Hynd was also named disabled sportsperson of the year, while one of Smith’s new pupils, Benjamin Foulston, won the junior disabled sportsperson honour. Another Mansfield success was Lauren King, of Mansfield Leadership Academy, who was named junior volunteer of the year.

Coun Andrew Tristram, of Mansfield Council, said: “We have had a great year for sport in Mansfield, and Glenn has played a big part in that. This award is fiting recognition for his hard work and dedication. We are extremely proud of his achievements. He is an inspiration.”