Celebrate a Swimming Legacy: Kim Longland's Extraordinary Journey in Aquatic Excellence by Pete Withey
22nd January 2025
From competitive swimmer to visionary Tier 1 coach and educator, Kim Longland's 60-year journey as man and boy in aquatics exemplifies passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence - with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour that enables everyone around him to stay grounded.
Kim's swimming career began in 1965 with Woolwich Borough School of Swimming. His competitive achievements include multiple County, Regional, and National Age Group titles; Great Britain representative honours in 1972 and 1973; English Schools Champion, setting a National Record in 100m Freestyle; international medallist in Luxembourg, Germany and Italy; outstanding swimmer for Beckenham Swimming Club in the 1970s
Transitioning from the pool to the deck in 1990, Kim discovered his true calling and has been Head Coach at many clubs across the County and beyond.
Kim's impact extends far beyond the pool's edge. He spearheaded the revitalisation and programme scheduling of Kent County ASA swimming championships in 2016 moving them from short course to long course format; pioneered para-swimming development as Head Coach at British Swimming's High-Performance Centre for Disability firstly in Stirling and then as the Director of the Lottery funded Start & Potential Program; he[ped shape Swim England's "11-Year-Old" County Pathway and acted as the County’s Head Coach for the initial years of the programme; mentored countless coaches across the UK, leaving an indelible mark on the sport; Commonwealth Games Manchester 2002 Coach for Scotland
Kim's commitment to professional growth is enormous: Post Graduate Certificate in The Science of Sports Coaching; multiple ASA coaching certifications; extensive tutoring and mentoring qualifications; regular speaker at national and international conferences; one of the longest serving coach mentors in the UK
Over five decades, Kim has touched the lives of countless swimmers, coaches and athletes, leaving an indelible mark on the sporting community, and transforming lives through his unwavering dedication and holistic approach to human potential.
Thank you, Kim, for your dedication, your innovation, and your enduring passion for swimming. Your impact will be felt for generations to come.
Pete Withey