Courtesy of Kevin Murphy, Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation.
Francis “Frank” Richards passed away at the age of 91.
Richards was a British observer who was inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2004 as an Honor Administrator. He served as the first president of the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation and was selfless in his passion for the sport.
He observed more than 280 English Channel crossings over a 31-year career of authenticating English Channel swims – thought to be the greatest number by one observer.
Kevin Murphy, Secretary of the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation remembers him, “He was known and remembered with great affection by swimmers throughout the world. He will be missed.”
He is the namesake for the Frank Richards Endurance Award, an annual award given by the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation for the CS&PF endurance swim of the year across the English Channel. The recipients over the years have included:
2017: Kevin Mullarkey
2016: Michael Helps
2015: Claire Bennison
2014: Camille Anderson
2013: Helen Franklin
2012: Samantha Simon
2011: Simon Barry
2010: Naomi Wakeford
2009: Lydia Goldswain
2008: Rosalinda Hardiman
2007: Lydia Goldswain
2006: Laura Lopez-Bonilla
2005: Sally Goble
2004: Rick Selway
He leaves behind his wife Margaret.
Copyright © 2008-2019 by World Open Water Swimming Association