Swimming
In 2003, Marlborough College built the best training and competition pool in Wiltshire which became the home of our swimming team. Swimming is open to all pupils as a competitive and afternoon option as well as being an integrated part of PE lessons. The sport of swimming develops supreme levels of fitness and athleticism. It requires a precision to all facets of competition technique to facilitate individual and team success. Swimming offers and encourages opportunities for pupils to train for triathlons, as well as offering cross-training to sports which demand excellent cardiovascular fitness.
Swimming as a sport at Marlborough is unique as age group teams train together alongside co-curricular swimmers, which enables an equality of opportunity that other sports cannot offer. Competitions and training are offered in all three of the academic terms. Swimming is, in the truest sense, a ‘sport for all’.
Peter O’Sullivan
Head of Swimming







Facilities
Marlborough College has its own superb, eight-lane, 25-metre competition pool which is among the best in the south-west of the country. The ability to raise the pool floor at one end gives flexibility to the teaching and training environment. The Omega electronic timing system provides excellent precision and instant results to close races.
Fixtures
Since moving to the new pool complex, swimming has enjoyed tremendous fixture success. We have swimmers representing county and a number reaching the very highest level of swimming representation (international and Olympic Games). Inter-school and interhouse competitions take place throughout the school year and culminate in the Bath Cup Competition at the London Aquatics Centre.
Collaborations and Coaches
Coaching is led by Peter O’Sullivan, Head of Swimming: former GB international (GB Junior and Senior 1984–1992) in 400m individual medley, 1990 Commonwealth Games Finalist, 1989 European Championships and 1991 World University Games (GB Men’s Swimming Team Captain). Peter holds a Swim England Level 2 Swimming Coach/Teacher Certificate.