Ali Beckman Meets Sporting Legend Duncan Goodhew

It was an exciting evening when our Technical Director went to a Masters swimming event – with Olympic Gold Medallist and MBE Duncan Goodhew.

Earlier this month, Ali, a keen and competitive swimmer herself, was delighted to be invited to a Masters class with Duncan Goodhew. Afterwards, she chatted to Duncan and told him all about Puddle Ducks. Ali said later “Wow, he is such a fabulous guy. So passionate about swimming and an inspiration to all swimmers, young and old! I’m so excited.”

Duncan Goodhew achieved Gold for the 100m breaststroke in the Moscow Olympics in 1980, as well as Bronze in the relay team and was awarded an MBE for his services to sport a year later. He is a highly sought-after motivational business speaker and leader and has written a book on self-motivation called “Sink or Swim”. Duncan was as dyslexic who lost his hair at the age of 10 – both events he claims helped to shape his determination to succeed when he found out he was “quite good at swimming”.

But much of Duncan’s time and energy at the moment is dedicated to being president of the Swimathon – “the world’s largest fundraising swim” which supports Marie Curie cancer care. Duncan has been involved since its inception in 1986! In an exclusive interview for the Swimathon, Duncan says “I still find the event incredibly exciting. The root of this must be how it enables normal people to do extraordinary things. Everyone’s challenge is very much their own - but not only do their efforts benefit themselves, they benefit their country and the charities.”

Could Puddle Ducks get involved in the Swimathon this year? Watch this space....