Peterborough-born Olympic hero takes part in Lido’s 90th anniversary celebrations
Brian Brinkley won a bronze medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics
A Peterborough-born Olympic swimmer has praised the “vital” role the city’s Lido played in launching his decorated career.
Brian Brinkley MBE, 72, returned to the Lido last Saturday (May 30) as part of its 90th anniversary celebration weekend.
Mr Brinkley, who won bronze in the 200m freestyle at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, held a Lido season ticket as a boy and enjoyed many happy days at the pool.
He told the Peterborough Telegraph: “When I was younger I had a season ticket at the Lido, and I went there quite regularly during term time.
“I swam there with my sister quite regularly and by the age of 11 I could swim freestyle in the pool.
“I also had swimming lessons there with my school, which was Saint Augustine’s, when it was at Wharf Road.”
One of the most dominant men’s swimmers of the 1970s, Mr Brinkley represented Great Britain at the 1972 Munich Olympics as an 18-year-old.
In 1974, he won two silver medals in the European Championships in Vienna, with further success at the World Championships in Colombia the following year.
His achievements led to the award of the MBE in the 1976 New Year’s Honours.
Last Saturday Mr Brinkley returned to the pool where he spent so many hours as a boy to take part in the Lido’s 90th birthday celebrations.
The iconic outdoor pool opened its doors on May 28, 1936, and has survived numerous threats of closure, most recently in late 2024.
The milestone was marked with a special four-day programme of events, including live music, dancing and a midnight swim.
Speaking of the Lido’s longevity, Mr Brinkley said: “When you’re outdoors and the sun’s on your back, it’s an absolutely fantastic place to swim.
“You swim outside and you feel so much better, it’s hard to explain to people.
“When I think back to my youth, the pool was unheated and it was a bit chilly!
“I remember getting out of the pool and going to the shop round the corner to pick up a Bovril to warm you up.
“You’ve also got the grass areas outside the Lido where you can run around or relax if you want to, it’s not just a swimming pool.”
The 2026 Lido season will run up until Sunday, September 6, after opening earlier than usual in March as part of the 90th birthday celebrations.