Tributes to 'inspirational' cross-channel swimmer

A former cross-channel swimmer, who inspired generations of athletes and championed the sport for decades, has died aged 98.

Eileen Fenton became just the 13th woman to swim the English Channel in 1950, before going on to coach and mentor a host of athletes, some of whom have gone on to represent their country at the Olympic Games.

She was appointed MBE in 2019 in recognition of her voluntary services to long distance and competitive swimming coaching.

Eileen was much loved in her hometown of Dewsbury, where a display in the town hall celebrates her achievements.

Karen Allison, Mayor of Kirklees, said: "It is easy to understand why she remains such a respected and cherished figure in Dewsbury and why her story continues to inspire people today.

"Eileen was one of Dewsbury's most celebrated figures and a woman whose determination, courage and endurance earned her a place not only in local history, but in the history of British sport."

In August 1950, Eileen achieved something that very few people in the world had done before her, successfully swimming the English Channel after more than 15 hours in the water.

She was just the 37th person to complete it at the time - and only the 13th woman to do so.

"Her achievement captured the imagination of the people of Dewsbury, who had helped raise the funds for her to take part and who later turned out in their thousands to welcome her home," Allison said.

"In doing so, she became a pioneering figure and an inspiration to many others, particularly young women and girls, demonstrating what could be achieved through determination, resilience and belief in one's ambitions."

However, Allison said Eileen's legacy extended far beyond just that one achievement.

"She went on to inspire and support future generations of swimmers, sharing her experience and encouraging others to pursue their own ambitions.

"Eileen's connection with Dewsbury remained strong throughout her life, and the display dedicated to her in Dewsbury Town Hall stands as a fitting tribute to a woman whose story continues to inspire people today.

"More than 75 years after her historic Channel crossing, Eileen is still remembered with enormous affection and pride.

"Her achievement was extraordinary, her legacy enduring and her place in the story of Dewsbury assured."

In a statement shared online, the Channel Swimming Association said: "Eileen didn't just teach people how to swim, she taught them how to endure.

"Her mentorship launched the careers of iconic open-water athletes like Wendy Brook, Bridget Woodall, Yvonne Carter, Robert Fisher, Erica Metcalfe and her beloved niece 'Young Eileen'."

Eileen was a Vice President of the British Long Distance Swimming Association for many years.

Margaret Smith, who served alongside her in that role, said their close friendship began in 1967, following a chance encounter when she had been out swimming herself at Windermere.

She said: "I was rather unwell after I'd finished.

"Poor mum, who had no idea about swimming and its challenges, was faced with a daughter unconscious on the floor.

"She shouted for help, and the person that responded was Eileen.

"We became fairly close friends after that. She always checked with me every time she saw me after that, and I had immense respect for her."

Smith said that respect was also held by many others who knew Eileen.

"She was kind, she was firm, she knew what she was talking about," Smith said.

"Whether it was sprint swimming, open water swimming, it didn't matter - any form of swimming, Eileen was a fount of knowledge.

"I think to me, she was an iconic lady.

"She was petite, she was always smart and she knew what she was talking about."

Smith added that Eileen supported lots of athletes over the decades.

"She could spot the potential, so she would just push the door ajar and encourage them to go through it.

"She had swimmers go to the Olympics, she had swimmers breaking Channel records, and she had swimmers who just stunned everybody else with their ability and their dedication.

"You only get that from somebody who shows you where to get it from - and that was Eileen."

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