Island Games multi-medallists Charlie-Joe and Ronny Hallett heard of the death of Guernsey Swimming Club driving force Jo Norman as the action in the pool in Glasgow came to an end on Wednesday.
The brothers said that they would have never made it to such competitive levels without Mrs Norman’s support.
‘Jo’s played a massive part in our swimming journey,’ said Ronny.
‘I think I must have been four when I first met her, she was one of my first coaches. She got us both into swimming, and it was her passion and constant support that helped us fall in love with it.
‘She’s helped produce some great swimmers and helped some of us get to this great level. She 100% sculpted us into the swimmers we are today, and we wouldn’t be here without her.’
Mrs Norman, who was 81, dedicated 50 years of her life to the Guernsey Swimming Club. She was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours last month.
Only days ago, Mrs Norman had sent the local team off to the Commonwealth Games with a token of good luck. She had knitted them each a green teddy bear Guernsey, featuring the island flag, which they had all attached to their swim bags.
‘We’ve been proudly carrying them around,’ said Ronny. ‘They’re particularly special to us now. We’ll be keeping them close to us for the rest of our lives.’
17-year-old Emma Bourgaize was the club’s other representative in the Guernsey swim team in Glasgow.
‘Everyone poolside knew Jo,’ she said. ‘She was just such a lovely person to be around.
‘I don’t think there are words enough to describe her. She was just always part of the club, and she’s a huge part of the memories I have there.
‘Since I can remember, she’s been so supportive and encouraging. She wished me luck at every competition, and told me that I’d do amazingly. To have her support all the way from Guernsey, when we’re so far away is really nice. We’re all going to miss her.’
The Halletts’ parents, Barry and Mandy, were also at the Games this week.
Mrs Hallett said the family were still coming to terms with the news.
‘We’re very emotional,’ she said.
‘She was such an influence to both of our sons and how they got to the levels they have.
‘She’s like a member of our family. She had so many attributes – strict and down the line, but also had this huge, kind heart – and to get the combination in a person is unique.
‘Teachers, coaches, families, swimmers – she’s in so many lives. And she’ll never be forgotten at our club.’