AquaElite

Inspiring and educating the next generation of swimming superstars

AquaElite is an international organisation established by Plymouth University alumni and former Olympic swimmer Antony James with business partner Steven Beckerleg. Their aim is to bring success and opportunity to all levels of competitive swimming by providing a chance for emerging young athletes to learn and experience the technical, psychological and physiological aspects of the sport. The duo have forged relationships with numerous organisations enabling them to develop their business to positively impact on young swimmers and institutions alike. To date AquaElite have worked with swimming clubs across the UK and expanded internationally to work in Malaysia.

A Taste of the World with Bertie book

In 2017 AquaElite created and published a second book with Plymouth University students studying a range of different disciplines, as seen below. The aim of this book is to encourage young children to be active and eat healthily, and it contains recipes from around the world.

BA Business Studies student Alana Jiang-Weston led the project while on an internship:

The project has helped me learn about delegating tasks to people, teamwork and communication - all of which are key skills in the business industry.

The team from A Taste of the World with Bertie book

Hannah Stamp BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing, Danielle Tremeer BA (Hons) English with Publishing, Lesley Clements BA (Hons) Illustration, Becky Thomas and Rachel Hine BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise and Health, Kerri Andrew and Hannah Mackay BEd (Hons) Primary English and Alana Jiang-Weston BA (Hons) Business Studies.

<p>A taste of the world with Bertie team photo</p>

Swimming with Bertie book

In 2016 AquaElite, working with Plymouth University students, created and published a children's book called 'Swimming with Bertie'. The aim of this book is to encourage young children learning to swim not to be afraid of the water. The students involved were Hannah Stamp BA (Hons) English Creative Writing, Lee Mei Xian BA (Hons) Illustration and Emma Hutchings (BSc) Events Management who project managed the initiative on behalf of AquaElite.

Coaching for Plymouth Leander

Having retired from competitive swimming and training with the club, Antony James now coaches Plymouth Leander swimmers to the high standard he received throughout his swimming career.

After competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games Antony decided to focus on the future of others, sharing his experiences through coaching and his business, AquaElite.