Honorary Life Vice-President: Sir Michael Holden, Woking SC

Woking are very proud that Sir Michael Holden, Woking referee has been awarded an honorary life vice-president award.

Michael has been on poolside more or less since Natasha (his middle daughter) started swimming for Woking SC at the age of 5 and she is now 29. He decided, in 2000 when Natasha was accepted by Woking, it was way too hot to sit up in the gallery watching his kids swim in competitions. Like many stalwarts of our County, he took that big leap and volunteered to help on poolside, though more on the technical side rather than managing the swimmers. He started in the normal way by time keeping and then due to the lack of other volunteers coming through the system, he worked his way up to being a Referee.

His many colleagues in the Surrey Officials and meet management know Michael has not only been there for his children, but he has been there to manage the experience for every swimmer from all our other clubs. He can combine the attention to detail needed to be an Official with the all-round view in the running of a meet and has stepped in many times when clubs would have struggled to hold their competitions.

Michael is a great supporter of the sport, supporting everything that moves in Surrey Swimming Competitions. This includes schools’ competitions (Primary/Secondary/Divisional) and even National Schools' events. Michael even took time out from his busy personal schedule to be our County President in 2019/21 through the pandemic.

 Although some dubious sources claim he has been seen in a pink tutu, pink wig and pink tights on poolside, to the delight of the swimmers at Woking Swimming Club, it is reassuring to be able to introduce a totally sensible picture of Michael Holden.

A cornerstone of swimming officialdom, Michael Holden is a well-deserved nominee for an Honorary Life Vice President Award.

Woking Swimming Club.