Olympic medallists Ben Proud and Dan Goodfellow joined 2,800 visitors at the London Aquatics Centre for a free community celebration marking its first anniversary under Everyone Active's management. The iconic Olympic venue opened its doors to showcase its world-class facilities alongside sporting heroes.

Ben Proud, silver medalist in the 50m freestyle at the Paris Olympics, conducted a masterclass in competitive starts for young swimmers. Dan Goodfellow, the recently retired Olympic bronze medalist, met with fans and participated in various activities throughout the facility.

The March 9 celebration featured free access to the 50-metre Olympic pools and dive pool, with activities including:

• Scuba diving sessions
• Artistic swimming demonstrations
• "Atlantis" inflatable obstacle course

Under Everyone Active's management since March 2024, the centre has achieved significant milestones:

• One million visitors in the past year
• 17,988 local schoolchildren taught swimming skills
• £1.6 million generated in social impact
• New group exercise and spin studios
• Completely refurbished gym facilities

"The incredible turnout speaks volumes about this facility's importance to our community," said Mark Basker, Everyone Active Regional Contract Manager. "We've built upon its established foundation as a community asset while continuing to support both elite performance and grassroots participation."

The London Aquatics Centre continues to serve its dual role as an elite training ground and community leisure destination since opening to the public in 2014. The venue will host upcoming events including the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships next month.

For 11-year-old aspiring diver Lucia Chowne, who trains at the centre weekly, meeting Olympic athletes was particularly inspiring: "They've been to the Olympics and I hope to go one day – it was amazing meeting them!"

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