In a banner year for British Swimming, Jazz Carlin stood out even among a very tall crowd, as she received 78% of the vote for British Swimming Athlete of the Year, the organization announced on Wednesday. This was the first year that British Swimming has taken a poll for the honor.
Carlin’s year included podiums at the year’s three major meets for which she was eligible: the Commonwealth Games, the European Championships, and the World Short Course Championships.
The run began with Commonwealth Games gold in the 800 free and a silver in the 400. Her gold medal, representing her native Wales, was the first Commonwealth Games gold by a Welsh woman in 40 years.
Her next stop was Berlin for the European Championships, where Carlin took double gold in the 400 and 800 meter freestyles. Then, in December, at the World Short Course Championships, she tacked on a silver in the 800 free to end her year.
“It’s a real honour to have been voted British Swimming Athlete of the Year,” Carlin said. “Thank you to everyone that has voted for me.
“This year has been amazing but I am working hard for 2015 now and have my sights set on an Olympic spot in 2016.”
Head Coach Bill Furniss commented: “Congratulations to Jazz on winning our first Athlete of the Year poll. She’s had a great year and worked hard.
“She performed well at the Commonwealth Games and then swam even better at the European Championships just a couple of weeks later.
“To take on the likes of world medallist Lauren Boyle at the Commonwealths and the likes of Mireira Belmonte at the Europeans was great to see.
“She showed real character in her victories and in Berlin not only did she race well but she paced her 800 perfectly.”
And believably without a commercial sponsor for 15 months!!
She is currently swimming with Dave McNulty from Bath and i believe an announcement is expected soon.
Congratulations to Jazz Carlin on a wonderful year. So can anyone explain why she, who is a gifted athlete, has neither a coach nor a place to swim?