Sam Greetham, an Honor Administrator in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame‘s Class of 2024, passed away.
The long-time British coach, official, and administrator was recently honored at the Class of 2024’s International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame ceremonies in Cancún, Mexico, hailed as a true luminary and devotee of the sport and all its participants.
His Legacy
Sam Greetham has served as a long-time technical member on the FINA Technical Open Water Committee (TOWSC) from 2009 to 2022 as well as with LEN in a similar role. He served as the TOWSC Secretary from 2019 to 2022.
John West, a fellow member of TOWSC, said, “Sam’s initiatives and efforts over many years to improve Open water swimming both in Europe and worldwide were significant in getting us to where we are today. His insight and guidance will be missed.”
He accepted the pressure-packed position to serve as the Chief Referee for the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Steven Munatones recalls, “In front of his home nation, he was in charge of the tough race where he had to be closely observant for nearly two hours and constantly make split-second decisions regarding possible impeding violations and unsportsmanlike conduct among a tightly packed pack. But, like the other officials with such a heavy responsibility, he called a great race and fairness prevailed. With all his decades of experience, his professionalism and placing of the athletes first and foremost were quite evident.”
Greetham also placed was key roles in the organization of the Olympic marathon swim at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
His duties carried his to 20 different countries and an involvement in six different Olympic Games in 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio de Janeiro, and 2021 Tokyo. During those times, he served as a FINA School Lecturer within the FINA open water swimming community between 2008 to 2023. In Europe, he was the Secretary of the Technical Open Water Committee of LEN (since its inclusion in the main body in 1998) to 2023 and became its Chairperson from 2018 to 2023.
In addition to his international responsibilities for FINA and the global swimming community, Greethm ran his local swimming club for 40 years – Scarborough Swimming Club where he also competed as a swimmer – and fulfilled numerous roles representing the sporting community at all levels.
His joy and dedication to the sport will be sadly missed.
© 2024 Daily News of Open Water Swimming
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I’ve known Sam for over 30 years. He was an excellent Coach, and was one of the top coaches in the country.
I like to think of Sam as a good friend, and shared many great memories, especially in recent years.
His Swimming legacy to the Country, County and people of Scarborough Will never be surpassed.
You will always be remembered.
It’s so sad and couldn’t believe it when my mum told me.
Think I speak for everyone but he was a brilliant coach who believed in us all.
Would you maybe have an email for Sue so I can send her my condolences?
Thanks
Sa. Will always be remembered by all open water officials in GB . He was always willing to help and give advice