British Swimming’s Mark Perry has been awarded an iconic Blue Peter badge after lending his Open Water expertise to two of the show’s presenters.
Perry, British Swimming’s Open Water Performance Manager, has been coaching Blue Peter presenters Joel Defries and Helen Shelton as they train to take part in the Bosporus Swim in Turkey this summer.
The two have been training hard and following Perry’s instructions over the phone and via post as they prepare to take part in the Open Water swim for Blue Peter’s Summer Expedition.
Perry commented: “For a high profile show like Blue Peter to get involved is great for the sport. Hopefully young swimmers will see Helen and Joel give Open Water swimming a go and want to try it themselves.
“Following on from the Olympics and the excellent results we’ve had in Open Water recently British Open Water swimming is continuing to develop.”
Defries and Shelton will take part in the Bosporus Swim on 19th July which sees participants swim 7km down the centre of Istanbul, with swimmers starting in Asia and ending in Europe.