Newcastle swimming coach Ian Oliver has been recognised by his peers.
Oliver, head coach at the City of Newcastle club, was honoured at the annual meeting of the British Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, being presented with a certificate to mark his outstanding work with top Tyneside swimmer Chris Cook.
Only two coaches in the country were so recognised - the other was Lincoln's Graham Bassi for his work with Lizzie Simmons, who struck gold at the European Youth Olympics.
The awards were presented by Aussie ace Ian Thorpe's old coach Doug Frost.
Cook has just returned from a five-week training camp in Australia while James Johnson, the 16-year-old British record holder, has been at a national breaststroke camp in Greece.
