By John Baron
A Horsforth athlete will represent Great Britain in lifesaving at The World Games in China.
Samuel Lawman, 30, will compete in Chengdu from 7 to 17 August 2025. This marks a major moment for the sport in the UK, as no British athlete has competed in lifesaving at The World Games for over two decades.
Samuel, an MSc Physiotherapy student at Leeds Beckett University and a former Leeds West Academy teacher, said: “I was drawn to lifesaving because it’s the only sport with humanitarian origins.
“It’s not just about competition – it’s built on the principles of saving lives.
“The sport combines rescue techniques with swimming speed, power, and control, which really appealed to me as someone passionate about both water safety and performance. It’s a unique and rewarding blend of purpose and athleticism.”
Samuel also holds three Masters Swimming World Records, which speaks to the high level of swimming ability required for lifesaving sport at the highest level.Â
The World Games is an international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring the world’s best athletes in sports that are not part of the Olympic Games. Often described as the “Olympics for non-Olympic sports,” the event showcases elite competition on a global stage, backed by the International World Games Association and recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
Lifesaving is a dynamic, internationally recognised sport that combines athleticism with essential water rescue skills, making it both physically demanding and uniquely purposeful.
Samuel added: “Alongside my athletic and academic commitments, I previously worked as a teacher at Leeds West Academy, where I spent four years supporting and educating young people in the local community. My time there was incredibly rewarding, and I remain passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue both education and sport.”
He competes for Race Pace Yorkshire Lifesaving Club and also train with Leeds Phoenix Lifesaving Club, balancing elite training with his postgraduate studies.
He will be racing against many full-time, professionally funded athletes — while his own journey is only partially funded.
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I’ve never heard of lifesaving as a sport before, or these games. Does anyone know if they’ll be televised?