Ben Higson Returns To University Of Stirling As Head Coach
Ben Higson is returning to the University of Stirling as the high-performance programme’s Head Coach following Steven Tigg’s appointment as Aquatics GB Swimming Head Coach.
Higson was part of the Team GB Olympic coaching team that oversaw a return of six medals from Rio 2016, having played a crucial role in building and implementing the programme at Stirling.
He will return to the UK from his position as Head Coach of the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) swimming programme – a role that took him to the Olympic Games in Paris with the Australian team – having also spent four years as Swim Ireland’s National Head Coach following his departure from Stirling in 2017.
Ben Higson & Steven Tigg: Photo Courtesy: Jeff Holmes, Commonwealth Games Scotland
On his new appointment, Higson said:
“I am privileged to be appointed Head Coach at the University of Stirling and to follow on from the success the programme has experienced under Steven Tigg. Alongside his coaching team, they have created a world-class environment for athletes to consistently achieve international honours.
“I look forward to working with the athletes and staff to build on these achievements through a collaborative approach that enhances the swimming programme’s contribution on the international stage.”
Aquatics GB Performance Director Chris Spice added:
“We are very excited that Ben is returning to poolside here in the UK, and we know he is going to have a fantastic impact on what is already a hugely-successful programme at the University of Stirling.
“Ben was a key part of our coaching team at the Rio Olympic Games and led Aquatics GB athletes to fantastic results at Olympic, World Championship and European level during his previous time with Stirling. We are also looking forward to seeing the valuable experience he has gained in subsequent roles in Ireland and Australia since then.”
David Bond, Head of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling, said:
“We are delighted to bring a coach of Ben’s calibre back to the University of Stirling. Having previously led the high-performance swimming programme at Stirling, he is no stranger to the environment, and his subsequent experiences at the highest levels of the sport will give him a strong foundation for success. We look forward to welcoming him back as we seek to push the boundaries of success even further.”
Duncan Scott: Photo Courtesy: Giorgio Scala, Deepbluemedia
A record seven Stirling-based swimmers were part of the GB Olympic swimming team this year – with Duncan Scott and Jack McMillan part of the 4x200m freestyle relay squad that defended their title in Paris.
Scott also won 200IM silver for his eighth Olympic medal with Tokyo mixed medley relay gold medallist Kathleen Dawson, Katie Shanahan, Lucy Hope, Keanna MacInnes and Angharad Evans also competing in Paris.
Scottish Swimming National Coach Ian Wright said:
“As the National Coach for Scottish Swimming, I am absolutely delighted to welcome Ben Higson back to the University of Stirling. Ben’s return marks a significant moment, as he brings invaluable international experience from his successful tenures with Swim Ireland in Dublin and at WAIS, Perth, Western Australia.
“Having worked closely with Ben when we were both part of the London Roar ISL team, I have seen first-hand his ability to inspire and lead elite athletes at the highest level. His previous work at Stirling helped shape the programme’s legacy of excellence, and I am confident that his return will only strengthen this.
“Leading athletes such as Duncan Scott, Katie Shanahan, and Kathleen Dawson, who are already familiar with Ben’s coaching style, will undoubtedly be excited to work with him again and build on their successes under his guidance. His experience, knowledge, and passion for developing talent make him the perfect fit to drive the University of Stirling and Scottish Swimming forward, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact his leadership will bring.”