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Holly Hughes Ranjuo Tomblin on deck [European Aquatics]

Artistic Swimming Nominees

Learn more about the artistic swimming nominees across the 'Athlete of the Year' and 'Coach of the Year' categories at The Aquatics GB Awards 2025.

Artistic Swimming Athlete of the Year

2025 Shortlist: Ranjuo Tomblin, Isabelle Thorpe and Holly Hughes

Artistic-Swimming-AOTY-25

Ranjuo Tomblin

National High Performance Centre

In 2025, Ranjuo Tomblin became Great Britain’s first male artistic swimming European champion and clinched World Cup gold in the Male Solo Technical event in Canada, plus a Mixed Tech Duet gold with Holly Hughes in Paris. He capped the season by earning bronze in the Mixed Duet Free at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore alongside Isabelle Thorpe. Ranjuo has shown maturity and focus, consistently pushing standards in both training and competition.

Isabelle Thorpe

National High Performance Centre

Isabelle Thorpe added to her career in 2024 by earning Great Britain’s first Olympic artistic swimming medal—silver in the duet at Paris 2024. This year, she paired with Ranjuo Tomblin to win bronze in the Mixed Duet Free at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. With multiple World and European medals since her senior debut in 2016, Thorpe is now officially the most decorated female artistic swimmer in Great British history, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer for the sport.

Holly Hughes

National High Performance Centre

In 2025, Holly Hughes captured World Cup gold in the Mixed Duet Technical with Ranjuo Tomblin at the Paris leg of the series. She also posted strong personal-best scores in Mixed Duet Free and Team Technical events at World Cup and Junior Championships. As part of Great Britain’s senior squad, she helped secure a bronze in the team free routine at the 2024 Europeans. Holly is a young talent within the sport and is one to watch in the future.

Artistic Swimming Coach of the Year

2025 Shortlist: Paola Basso, Yulia Diachenko and Karen Thorpe

Artistic-Swimming-COTY-25

Paola Basso

Artistic Swimming National Coach

Paola has been instrumental in guiding Ranjuo Tomblin and the mixed duet to success this season, overcoming the challenges of new rule changes and building each year to gain a bronze medal at the World Championships with Ranjuo and Isabelle Thorpe. Her technical expertise and unwavering commitment ensured the athletes performed at their best on the international stage, earning medals and making history for Great Britain.

Yulia Diachenko

Artistic Swimming National Coach

Yulia has led the senior team with dedication and focus this season, ensuring the squad developed both technically and artistically. Alongside her leadership role, she has supported the development of Loya Cenkci in solo, helping her to achieve international recognition. Her tireless commitment and belief in the athletes have made a lasting impact on the programme.

Karen Thorpe

Artistic Swimming Head of Performance

Karen has led the national programme with extraordinary dedication, driving Great Britain’s historic results at the World Championships, Europeans, and the Olympic Games. Alongside her leadership role, she has provided day-to-day coaching support, ensuring consistency and care for athletes at every level. Her vision and person-centered coaching philosophy have transformed the sport and inspired the next generation.

To view the full information about nominees for the Aquatics GB Awards 2025 click here.