Diving community mourns the passing of Derek Beaumont

Tributes have been paid to diving stalwart Derek Beaumont who has died after a short illness.

Derek has been an influential figure in the sport of diving for more than half a century, progressing from an athlete to a judge, coach and committee member.

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.

Derek has judged at European, World and Olympic level, also coaching Lindsey Fraser at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.

He produced numerous Olympians out of the Hatfield Swim Centre, where he founded the Beaumont Diving Academy.

Derek’s achievements also earnt him BBC’s Unsung Hero Award for the East region of England in 2014.

In that same year, he was also named as Swim England’s Volunteer Teacher/Coach of the Year.

“A true diving legend”

Following Derek’s passing, Swim England’s Diving Leadership Group have paid tribute 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 produced 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.”

Everyone at Swim England’s thoughts and condolences are with Derek’s wife, Jackie, and his family during this time.