Helen Elkington sadly passed away on 4th February 2010, after a short illness.

Helen Elkington’s achievements in the world of swimming are almost too numerous to list, having spanned five decades. She was Stroke Coach to the Great Britain Olympic Swimming Team at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 and Junior British Synchronised Swimming Team Coach from 1971 to 1977.

She has also worked as a commentator for both the BBC and ITV and, in 1988, she led the Synchronised Swimming commentary at the Seoul Olympics.

In 1998 Helen’s achievements as a swimming coach were recognised by the National Coaching Foundation (now sportscoach uk) when she was inaugurated into the coaching hall of fame - the highest honour for coaches in any sport. She joined, among others, Sir Alf Ramsey, Betty Calloway and Ron Pickering.

She taught swimming for 50 years and was a leading light in teaching, having lectured at conferences all over the world, and her impressive list of publications include Swimming: a Handbook for Teachers, which was printed almost 30 years ago and is still used as a reference book for swimming teachers today.

Despite officially retiring from her position as Principal Lecturer at De Montfort University, Bedford, she continued to lecture swimming at the University.

Helen's funeral will take place on Wednesday 17th February at 11.15am at Biddenham Parish Church, Biddenham ,Bedford. It will be followed by a family only cremation. No flowers but donations to an animal charity.