Keith Selvey

The life of a well known swimming coach who trained a host of international and Olympic swimmers from around Wolverhampton is being celebrated after his sudden death.

Keith Selvey was a popular figure on the swimming scene in the West Midlands and around the UK. He was behind the success of the Wulfrun swimming squad which was hailed one of the best swimming squads in the country and went on to be assistant coach with Mike Ayre at the prestigious Borough of Wolverhampton Swimming Club. He also coached at Wolverhampton and Chase swimming clubs and helped set up Wolverhampton Masters Swimming Club.

The 72-year-old over the years coached international stars including Ian Collins, Robin Brew, Steve Purchase, Neil Jones, Dave Fereday, Chris Pickering, Magnus Weighton and his own daughter Linda (Selvey). Most recently he developed the talent of Beijing and London Olympic hopeful Chris Fox at Wolverhampton Swimming Club.

He also worked alongside ex-Olympian Brian Brinkley and helped develop many new teachers and coaches in the area including Jane Cooling, his replecment at Wolverhampton after retirement. 

Keith, from Pattingham, moved to Poole, in Dorset, with his wife Lillian and daughter Nina, 18 months ago. He died in hospital after a short illness. Dave Fereday, who Keith coached and remained friends with, said he was an extra ordinary character who was always jovial. He was well known by lots of people around the country and will be sadly missed, he said. 
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He leaves his wife, two daughters, seven grandchildren and one great child .