Home UK Swimming champion, 18, who could have qualified for Olympics dies in fire

Swimming champion, 18, who could have qualified for Olympics dies in fire

October 31, 2018

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A teenage swimming star who could have qualified for the next Olympics has died in a horrific house fire.

Former European junior swimming champion, Tazmin Pugh, is said to have died alongside a 21-year-old man, believed to be her boyfriend Josh Kirk, in the horror blaze in Cotheridge, Worcestershire on Sunday.

The 18-year-old held British junior records in both the 50 metre and 100 metre butterfly and was part of the Ellesmere Titans team at Ellesmere College which won a European championship medal.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Tazmin Pugh of Ellesmere competes in the Girls Junior EG 200m Butterfly Final during Day One of the British Swimming Championships at the Aquatics Centre on April 14, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) — Former European junior swimming champion, Tazmin Pugh, is said to have died alongside a 21-year-old man, believed to be her boyfriend Josh Kirk, in the horror blaze in Cotheridge, Worcestershire on Sunday (Picture: Getty)

Ellesmere Titans coach John Pardoe described the teenager as a fantastic swimmer who could have qualified for the next Olympics.

He said: She was always a positive, enthusiastic, bubbly character.

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She gave up a year ago but I have no doubt if she had carried on swimming she would have qualified for the next Olympics, she was a fantastic swimmer.

The fire was first reported when paramedics in a passing ambulance spotted the blaze, with fire crews and police called to the house at around 8pm.

Seven fire engines carrying 30 firefighters were sent to the scene.

Crews found two people inside, but nothing could be done to save them.