International swim coach Ben Higson has been appointed as Head Coach of the University of Stirling’s high-performance swim programme. Higson will be replacing Steve Tigg, who has been appointed Swimming Head Coach at Aquatic GB.
Higson worked with the University of Stirling between 2013-2017, before taking on the senior roles that led him to Olympic coaching. Higson has coached the Olympics thrice, with Aquatic GB at multiple world championships, and Team GB at the Commonwealth Games 2014.
Before spending time training at the University of Stirling, Higson was a competitive swimmer with Duns Amateur Swimming Club in the Scottish Borders. He gave up competitive swimming in 2010 to pursue coaching.
During Higson’s prior coaching period at the University of Stirling, he coached four Olympic swimmers: Duncan Scott, Ross Murdoch, Robbie Renwick, and Craig Benson.
Upon his appointment, Higson commented on his return to the University of Stirling:
“I am privileged to be appointed Head Coach at the University of Stirling and to follow on from the success the programme has experienced under Steven Tigg. Alongside his coaching team, they have created a world-class environment for athletes to consistently achieve international honours.
“I look forward to working with the athletes and staff to build on these achievements through a collaborative approach that enhances the swimming programme’s contribution on the international stage.”
Scottish Swimming’s National Coach Ian Wright commented on Higson’s return to the University of Stirling:
“As the National Coach for Scottish Swimming, I am absolutely delighted to welcome Ben Higson back to the University of Stirling. Ben’s return marks a significant moment, as he brings invaluable international experience from his successful tenures with Swim Ireland in Dublin and at WAIS, Perth, Western Australia.
“Having worked closely with Ben when we were both part of the London Roar ISL team, I have seen first-hand his ability to inspire and lead elite athletes at the highest level. His previous work at Stirling helped shape the programme’s legacy of excellence, and I am confident that his return will only strengthen this.”
David Bond is the Head of Performance Sports at the University, and shared confidence in the appointment of Higson:
“Having previously led the high-performance swimming programme at Stirling, Ben is no stranger to the environment, and his subsequent experiences at the highest levels of the sport will give him a strong foundation for success.”
The University of Stirling offers a world-leading high-performance swim programme, accompanied by world-class coaching by renowned figures, performance mentoring, and state-of-the-art facilities. World-renowned athletes have emerged from the programme, including Duncan Scott, Katie Shanahan, and Kathleen Dawson.
You can read more University of Stirling sports news here.
Ben Higson. Image Credit: Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS).
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