Category: Water Polo

Farewell John ‘Shakey’ Lake


History, Masters Swimming, Penguin members, Water Polo

We are sad to say goodbye to John ‘Shakey’ Lake who passed away on Sunday 14 March 2021.

 

John Lake raising a glass during his presidential speech at a Penguin Club Dinner
John ‘Shakey’ Lake, as President at a Penguin Dinner.

 

Shakey was one of the most popular of our members ever.

As a teenager, he started his water polo career with Sutton and Cheam but very soon moved to Penguin. He remained a member for over 60 years during which time he served as Club Captain and as President. His contribution to the Club as a swimmer, player, coach, and Committee member was exceptional and, in recognition of this, he was elected as a Life Member.

Shakey became known throughout the swimming and water polo world not only for his skill as a coach but also for his very likeable personality. He was an excellent raconteur and always fun to be with and played a major role in solidifying the Club through challenging times.

As a masters swimmer Shakey was a European backstroke champion and record holder. Even at the age of 80, he was a very energetic, dedicated, passionate, and inspiring coach. 

RIP Shakey. You will not be forgotten and we send our love to Joan and your family.

Celebrate Shakey’s life

Please share your memories and photos of Shakey via this link: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/p5SHA1uj

Nilo Falcini RIP


History, Water Polo

We are sad to learn of the passing of Nilo Falcini who died on 5 November 2020, aged 82.

Nilo Falcini with London League team mates
Nilo wearing his goalkeeper red cap after an Over 40s London Water Polo League match.

Nilo joined Penguin in the 1970s and, while his son played in our junior team, Nilo was a first class goalkeeper and mainstay for our men’s second water polo team. His fellow teammates recall that he was very well-liked, always dependable, generous and kind to all.

Nilo Falcini in goal at Penguin summer party in 2005
Nilo in goal at the Penguin summer party at Hampton Open Air Pool in 2005.

Nilo was Club Captain in 1984, and won the Rob Derbyshire Trophy in 1991 and 2006 in recognition of the credit he had brought to the Club.

Nilo served on the Penguin Committee for many years with a stint as Club Treasurer from 2009-12.

Nilo Falcini water polo retirement
Nilo on his retirement from water polo after his final game for Penguin second team.

Even when he moved to Devon in 2012 he retained his connection with the Club as the Auditor for our accounts until the start of this year. He was a Penguin Vice President and Life Member.

Nilo Falcini receiving over 40s best player award in 2010
Nilo receiving the award for Best Over 40s Player from President and teammate Dave Bryan at the Penguin Dinner in 2010.

Our condolences to Nilo’s partner Ruth and his family.

Lize wins the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for June 2020


Award, Water Polo

While pools were closed due to COVID 19, from May to August the Hillingdon Penguin water polo coaches ran many strength and conditioning sessions over Zoom. So when we came to make the Petchey Achievement Award it seemed only fitting that it should go to our most enthusiastic Zoom participant: Lize.

Lize attended a record number of the training sessions, and always tried her hardest. Ever cheerful and enthusiastic, she was altogether a bright spark on the screen. Thank you Lize, we think you’re amazing.

Lize’s mum was sworn to secrecy so that coach Shaun Hill could make a surprise presentation of the Award during one of the sessions, with her under-15 team-mates watching online.

Lize with her Jack Petchey Award for June 2020
Lize with her Jack Petchey Award for June 2020

 

We are grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation for their support.

Jack Petchey Foundation logo

Government confirms clubs will not be affected by new restrictions


Masters Swimming, Water Polo

Good news from Swim England received today, 10 September 2020:

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson has expressed her delight that clubs and lessons will not be affected by new restrictions on the numbers of people allowed to meet up.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday announced that social gatherings of no more than six people will be allowed indoors or outdoors from Monday 14 September to help curb the spread of Coronavirus.

Mr Johnson said in his speech that ‘COVID-secure venues like places of worship, gyms, restaurants and hospitality venues can still hold more than six people in total – but groups must not mix socially or form larger groups’.

The Government has now confirmed to Sport England that organised sports and activities which have been through return to play protocols will be allowed to continue as before.

Swim England has published detailed guidance for the safe use of swimming pools, which has been used by facilities across the country.

Jane said: “This is excellent news.

“We expected this would be the case when the announcement was made by the Prime Minister but wanted to confirm before updating our affiliated clubs, members, coaches, teachers and swim schools.

“Club activity and swimming lessons will be able to continue as previously as they are taking place in Covid-secure environments – but they must continue to adhere to our Returning to the Pool guidance.

“All other pool activity operating within the Swim England guidelines can also continue but people should not travel to pools socially in groups of more than six.

“We’d also encourage everyone to follow the latest advice from the Government and wear face coverings where necessary and ensure you maintain social distancing and good hand hygiene at all times.

“Obviously, there are a number of pools across the country that are still closed due to financial reasons and we will continue to lobby the Government for the vital support they need to open their doors once again.”

Chat with Champions: Igor Milanović


Olympics, PenguINspiration, Water Polo

Yesterday we were honoured to chat with Igor Milanović, considered to be the best water polo player of all time.

  • 2x Olympic gold medallist
  • 2x World Champion
  • European Champion
  • 2x World Cup winner
  • 2x Champions League winner

And, as a coach, 2x Champions League winner.

Igor Milanović
Igor Milanović answering questions submitted by Penguins

 

Igor answered questions submitted by Club members.

Here’s some of the advice Igor shared with our young players:

Water polo is hard to practise. It won’t bring you fame or make you rich like some other sports, so you have to love it.

Teach yourself that hard work is not your enemy. Hard work is your friend. It will set you up for success in life.

Don’t eat sweets or drink fizzy drinks. Drinking water is very important. Please don’t eat sugar, it destroys bodies.

If you want to be a good individual player, you must be part of the team. Respect the orders of the coach, respect the rules and respect your team mates in the water, then the team will give back to you the chance to show your individual qualities.

The team will choose who will be the leader, you can’t choose it for yourself. If want to be a leader, respect and become part of the team and perhaps your chance to lead will happen.

Good defence is all about teamwork. Defence is the most important part of the game. Defence is the basic, then we can think about attack.

Know how to play in defence and 1:1, and be technically assured in receiving and passing.

 

Claudio Palumbo
Penguin head water polo coach, Claudio Palumbo, asking the questions


And there were wise words for coaches too…

There must be trust between a coach and players. There is only one commander – one boss – who can tell the team how to win when the game is going against you.

Coaches must be calm and cool when things are going wrong. If the coach loses his head in a match, players will not find the path to victory.

Encourage your players to be rounded individuals… listen to blues and jazz, read books, watch theatre. Broader minds give better analytical thinking. Feeling some kind of culture will make young people richer for life in general.

And possibly our favourite quote:

I didn’t like losing and it was like a couldn’t breathe, so I was lucky not to lose too often.

Igor, it was pleasure meeting you. Thank you for making the time to inspire us.

#Chat with Champions
This is part of our Chat with Champions series, bringing Penguins together with some of the top players in the sport we love.