Alice Dearing

Olympian

Alice Dearing made history as the first Black woman to represent the UK in open water swimming at the Olympic Games. Her groundbreaking achievements in the sport have not only placed her at the forefront of British swimming but have also made her a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Now retired from competitive swimming, Alice’s focus has shifted to making a lasting impact through her work with the Black Swimming Association, which she founded to increase access and participation for Black and Asian communities in swimming. Alice also created SWYM (Swim With Your Meaning), a movement launched in Ghana in 2024 that aims to empower individuals through swimming, encouraging them to find personal meaning and connection in the water.

Both the BSA and SWYM are key initiatives that Alice has championed, advocating for more diverse representation in swimming and breaking down barriers that often prevent marginalised communities from participating in the sport or the life saving skill. Her efforts continue to inspire change and provide opportunities for others to take part in swimming, fostering greater inclusivity and empowerment.

Instagram: alicedearingx