Sporting scholar Ranjuo Tomblin’s groundbreaking year of artistic swimming success is celebrated at The Aquatics GB Awards 2025
University of Bath sporting scholar Ranjuo Tomblin capped a groundbreaking year in fitting style by becoming the first-ever male athlete to be named Artistic Swimming Athlete of the Year at The Aquatics GB Awards 2025.
The Sports Performance student, who is supported by a Trendell Sports Scholarship, has won an outstanding 14 international medals during the past 12 months including Great Britain’s first World Championships medal in the Mixed Duet Free event.
As well as that bronze with Izzy Thorpe, Tomblin also won medals of each colour at the European Championships – Men’s Solo Tech gold, Mixed Duet Tech silver with Thorpe, Mixed Duet Free bronze with Holly Hughes and Men’s Solo Free bronze – plus nine medals on the Artistic Swimming World Cup circuit.
“This award is very special to me,” said Tomblin. “I’ve had an extra-long season this year with seven competitions across multiple continents. My highlight would definitely be our bronze medal in Singapore – the first for Great Britian at those championships and our first ever in Mixed Duet on the global stage which was very special.”
Former sporting scholar Tom Dean also took to the stage at the award ceremony in Newport, alongside Jack McMillan and Evan Jones, to accept the Swimming Athlete of the Year on behalf of the men’s 4x200m freestyle squad that won World Championships gold in Singapore.
“I think it’s really important we’ve got this heritage for the four by two,” said Dean, a double Olympic Champion in the event. “Our relay is a force to be reckoned with at the moment and it’s great to be a part of it.”
James Guy, a key member of the relay squad who used to train at the University, was named as Maurice Watkins Champion Athlete 2025, joining Dean on an illustrious list of winners of the coveted award.
PICTURED TOP: Ranjuo Tomblin receives the Artistic Swimming Athlete of the Year trophy from awards host Colin Murray. CREDIT: Sian Owen/Aquatics GB.
