It is with a very heavy heart that I have to announce the retirement of Stephanie Slater MBE from International and competitive swimming. Steph has been a member of the Preston Swimming Club since she was 4 years of age and through her incredible journey she has represented the club at all levels of competition, both domestically & internationally. Steph’s decision to retire from competitive swimming is something that has had much consideration and discussion with many people. She has looked at every avenue possible to see if she could be in a position to continue competing at the very highest level, but, sadly due to medical advice, Steph has had to make the most difficult decision an athlete can make, to retire from competitive swimming. Steph Slater has, in the past been ladies captain of PSC, she has captained the all-conquering Lancashire County team, she has represented her country at both able bodied and para swimming, she has numerous GB, European & World Records to her name, she has won medals at Nationals, British Champs, European Championships, World Championships & Paralympic Games. She leaves the competitive side of the sport having achieved so much yet also being unfulfilled, she had more to give and much more to win, however this has been cruelly taken away from her, yet she still continues to smile and stay positive in all she does. Steph has made a huge impact on competitive swimming both domestically & internationally and a huge impact in the proud history of North Lancashire District. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Steph, the very, very best in her retirement and all the good luck and fortune she deserves as she moves into the next chapter. You can find the official British Swimming announcement at: https://www.britishswimming.org/news/para-swimming-news/paralympic-champion-slater-retires-competitive-swimming/