Tribute to swim coach Trevor Collins who trained Olympian

Trevor, with wife Anne, coached Island youngsters to swim for more than 40 years.

Among the highlights of Trevor's career was coaching West Wight swimmer, Darren Mew, who began his swimming career under his guidance before he went on to become a Commonwealth medallist in 1998 and was a finalist in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.

In recognition of his life's work, dedicated to coaching swimmers at West Wight Swimming Club, Trevor was awarded the prestigious BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero Award in 2005. 

Trevor Collins with his Unsung Hero accolade at the BB Sports Personality of the Year Awards at Television Centre, London, in 2005. Photo: BBC

During the gala television ceremony, Trevor went on to receive his award on stage from top FIFA referee Pierluigi Collina and stood on stage to great applause with the then Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, and Brazilian world footballing legend, Pele, who were fellow award winners.

Two years ago, Trevor and Anne were jointly awarded the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Trevor's dedication to coaching were strongly influenced by his parents, Lou and Con, both of whom were awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for their services to youth work.

Trevor began his career as an apprentice marine engineer with Thornycroft, in London. 

He was also a chief petty officer in the Sea Cadets and represented them in rowing.

Trevor Collins, with his wife of more than 57 years, Anne. FILE

Trevor was also a drum major in the Silver Band. With them, he performed at the Royal Tournament. 

Trevor met Anne in Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey, and they tied the knot on December 7, 1963.

Anne’s brother introduced the pair when he and Trevor attended a sea cadets group.
The couple moved to the Island in 1967 after Trevor secured a job with Souter's boatbuilders in Cowes as a quality assurance manager. 

In the latter part of his working life, Trevor was at SP Systems, managing the company's apprenticeship scheme.  

Trevor's technical skills were put to the test when he became involved with West Wight Swimming Club in the 1970s.  

Trevor Coillins with some of the swimmers he trained during his long career as a coach.

He was part of a team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to teach swimming —long before there were any public pools on the Island.

Trevor was also one of the stalwarts who went on to help build the West Wight Swimming Pool — now called the West Wight Sports and Community Centre, in Freshwater — the first public swimming pool on the Island.

He went on to become the head coach of the West Wight Swimming Club, for which he coached hundreds of children and young people over many years. 

Trevor, with Anne, also coached for the former Kingfishers swimming group for people with learning difficulties, which was part of the West Wight Swimming Club.

Trevor Collins with a BBC South Sports Award for his work as a swimming coach.

In 2013, Trevor represented the centre and swimming club to receive the national ASA Swimtastic Community Project of the Year award.

Tributes from those he coached over a period spanning more than 40 years, have been pouring in.

"It is very clear Trevor had a huge impact on many lives. The discipline and dedication that Trevor instilled in the young swimmers has stayed with them for life," said the West Wight Sports and Community Centre's manager, Clare Griffin.

"Many were successful at county, national and international level. Many have also retained those swimming skills and have come back to competition as masters or open water swimmers. 

"Others have pursued successful careers in swimming and sports through Trevor's quiet encouragement and positive example.

"Trevor always considered his swimmers to be his extended family. He stayed in touch with many of them. 

"He often remembered them by their swimming style and how hard they worked in training. 

"His heart was in the West Wight and the swimming club and he never stopped dreaming of what could be achieved. 

"He continued to inspire, guide and keep an eye on things — even after his health was failing. 

"Trevor always had a story to tell of the many challenges and 'adventures' involved in managing the swimming club and the many children (and parents) involved. 

"He could be relied upon to recall these stories with much humour and love."
Trevor leaves his wife, sons Nick and Ady, grandchildren, Josie, Emma, Danny and Ryan, and great-grandchildren, Eloise and Nancy.