Following the exciting Talbot Heath Swimming Academy launch news, we welcome Karen Yendole as our new swimming coach, who will work alongside Head of Swimming Barry Alldrick. With impressive achievements, Karen brings a wealth of experience as a bright and bubbly swimmer, coach and an academic.
Karen has successfully coached swimmers at Poole Swimming Club for the past 15 years and at Bournemouth SC, where she became the first coach in the club’s 122-year history to see her swimmers compete at the Dorset County Championships.
Her leadership roles include managing the Poole and Dorset Masters swimming team and organising the Dorset County Masters swimming championships. Her tenure, goodwill, dedication to swimming, and commitment to developing the sport saw Karen become Dorset ASA President for the 2024/2025 term, during which time she also won the Dorset County ASA Volunteer Award.
As an athlete with a keen eye for technique, Karen has earned accolades, such as a recent bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke at the European Masters Swimming Championships; she consistently wins medals at national and regional competitions. Her top-10 ranking in multiple masters swimming events underscores her skill and lifelong love of swimming.
Academically, Karen holds a Master of Science in Biology, has her name on papers studying females and has been involved in education at Bournemouth School for Girls and Bournemouth University. Her comprehensive competitive swimming and educational background makes her an invaluable addition to our academy. We look forward to Karen’s expertise, passion for our team, and the positive impact she will have on our athletes and staff.
Head of Swimming Coach, Barry Alldrick, said: “Karen is the perfect fit for our Swimming Academy pupils. Karen has such an infectious love for swimming, and her coaching expertise boasts a strong technical eye and a humble yet fiery competitive streak. With a strong passion for developing female swimmers and academic acumen, I am thrilled to have Karen onboard.”
Pictured: Karen as Dorset ASA President at the Swim England Inter Counties Competition in October 2024.
