Olympic gold medalist James Guy MBE returned to where his remarkable swimming journey began, visiting the newly transformed move Altrincham wellbeing centre for an exclusive preview ahead of its public opening.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist, who first learned to swim at the former Altrincham Leisure Centre as a child, was given a special tour of the state-of-the-art facilities on the 18th August. Members of Altrincham Swimming Club, along with swimmers from other Trafford swimming clubs, were also invited and received expert swimming tips from the Olympic champion.
James, who made history at Paris 2024 as part of Team GB’s first-ever quartet to successfully defend their Olympic relay title with gold in the men’s 4x200m freestyle, was visibly moved by his return to familiar surroundings. He said:
“Being here brings back so many incredible memories of learning to swim at Altrincham, plus all the family fun I would have playing in the pool with my dad, who would pretend to be a shark. Such happy times!
“This is genuinely where it all started for me. The new facilities are absolutely fantastic. There’s a real wow moment when you think about what this used to be like and I have no doubt they will inspire the next generation of swimmers. Every child who walks through these doors has the potential to achieve something special, whether that’s learning to swim for the first time, competing at the highest level or simply falling in love with being in the water like I did all those years ago. Coming back and showing these local young swimmers what can be done has been amazing.
“To be part of the Trafford community and move Altrincham is something I’m really excited about. It is also important to me to encourage everyone to learn to swim; it’s a key life skill and unfortunately too many children and young people are still drowning. Plus, swimming is great for your wellbeing. It’s a low impact, full body work out, which is suitable for all.”
James toured the transformed facility, which features two swimming pools – a 25m pool and a 20m pool – both equipped with accessible pool pods, wet village changing areas and The Cove – a brand new wellbeing spa facility. The centre also boasts an enlarged fitness suite, live and virtual indoor cycle studio, four-court sports hall, gymnastics hub and café delivered by local favourite MOST Bakery.
Jo Cherrett is CEO of Trafford Leisure, a community interest company wholly owned by Trafford Council, which manages leisure in Trafford on behalf of the council, using any profits and assets for community benefit. She says:
“Having our local swimming hero visit move Altrincham before our opening on 26th August was absolutely incredible. To see James back where his Olympic journey began, sharing his expertise with our local swimmers, was truly special.
“move Altrincham will nurture talent and create opportunities for everyone in our community, regardless of their starting point or aspirations. Inclusivity in exercise is absolutely fundamental to everything we do at Trafford Leisure. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality facilities and programmes that support their health and wellbeing journey, whatever that looks like for them.”
The extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment supports Trafford Council’s ‘Trafford Moving’ Physical Activity Strategy and commitment to reducing health inequalities. The centre has also embraced sustainability, replacing fossil fuel heating with Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Panels as part of Trafford Council’s Carbon Neutral 2038 action plan.
