Beryl Noakes

It was unfortunate for Beryl Noakes that her competitive swimming career coincided with those of Judith Grinham, Natalie Steward, and Diana Wilkinson as the four enjoyed a great rivalry in the late-1950s and early-60s. Unfortunately, Noakes never won a senior ASA title but enjoyed third and second place finishes in the 100 yards freestyle in 1958 and 1959 respectively when Grinham and Steward won the titles.

While still at school in 1957, Noakes made her international début against the Netherlands after Anne Marshall pulled out through illness. The following year Noakes won a bronze medal with the England 4 x 100 yards freestyle relay squad at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, and in 1960 Noakes was selected for the Roma Olympics. She was in the Great Britain quartet with Steward, Judy Samuel and Christine Harris that finished fifth (out of eight) in the final of the 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay.

Unfortunately, Noakes missed a large part of the 1961 season following an appendix operation and it effectively marked the end of her competitive swimming days at the age of 19. She went on to become a swimming teacher for the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA). Noakes´ younger brother Barry was also a leading swimmer in the Kent area and swam for the county.