Tributes paid to 'inspirational' swimming teacher

Tributes have been paid to an "inspirational" swimmer who taught generations of children to swim.

Johanna Norman, who was known as Jo, died aged 81 on Wednesday.

She was awarded the British Empire Medal in June in the King's Birthday Honours for services to swimming and she coached athletes who have competed in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Guernsey Swimming Club president Chris Butt said Norman had been "inspirational to our swimmers, teachers and coaches, and could always see the potential in everyone she came into contact with".

He said she had dedicated more than 48 years of voluntary service to swimming and water safety in Guernsey and was a qualified swimming teacher for more than 40 years.

Commonwealth Games competitor Emma Bourgaize said Norman had been "an amazing inspiration to everyone" who "would always offer encouragement and support".

Bourgaize said: "I remember how she would always wish me good luck before my competitions and to know that she was supporting us from home was very special.

"My last memory of her was actually a little before the Commonwealths where she gave me a handmade keychain of a knitted Guernsey sweater and told me she would make more if I wanted.

"It was the sweetest thing and I still have it and I think it's something that I will treasure forever."

Sam Cann,16, who recently won an England National swimming title, said Norman had taught him as a young swimmer.

He said: "She taught me when I was a young swimmer finding my confidence in the water and always encouraged and congratulated me throughout my swimming achievements."

Butt, who has worked alongside her at Guernsey Swimming Club for more than 30 years, said: "In all that time, she has always been positive and supportive in everything that she has done for the club.

"I know that she would have been immensely proud for the Guernsey Swimming Club to have had three swimmers at this week's Commonwealth Games, and equally proud of the achievement of one of our club swimmers at Nationals, who achieved a gold medal."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.