British Swimming is saddened to have learnt of the death of British Diving’s Derek Beaumont, after a short illness.
Beaumont was one of the diving community’s most beloved and influential figures – progressing from an athlete to a judge, coach and committee member through over half a century of involvement.
At the 2020 British Diving Championships, he was awarded a special recognition of thanks by Swim England’s Diving Leadership Group for his lifetime of service to the sport.
He was also crowned the BBC’s Unsung Hero for the East of England in 2014, and was heralded as the Swim England’s National Teacher and Coach of the Year the previous year.
Derek has judged at European, World and Olympic level, also coaching Lindsey Fraser at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
Operating primarily out of Hatfield Swim Centre, he founded the Beaumont Diving Academy – producing several Olympians with great degrees of success.
Having judged his first national competition in 1970, he only missed one edition over the next 50 years, right the way through to the 2020 British Diving Championships.
Swim England’s Diving Leadership Group gave their thoughts on the news, paying homage to a “true diving legend”.
“Derek will be hugely missed by his diving family and friends across the UK and the World.
“Having founded the Beaumont Diving Academy in 1968, Derek helped produce nine Olympians, judged at European, World and Olympic level and contributed to the development of many of the coaches and judges that you find on poolside up and down the country today.
“Throughout the years, Derek also served on many diving committees both nationally and regionally. He has played an important part of so many people's diving journey and inspired countless members of the diving community to volunteer and work within the sport.
“It is with the upmost respect we take this opportunity to thank Derek for his selfless dedication to the sport and pay our respects to a true diving legend.”
British Swimming extends their condolences to Derek’s wife, Jackie, and his family during this sad time.