Vicki Carter Awarded British Empire Medal

Championing inclusion and empowerment

For decades, Vicki has been a powerful force for change. As a swimming teacher, she has opened doors for over 100 LGBTQ+ people, including women and racial minorities, helping them learn to swim in welcoming and safe spaces.

Her leadership has been recognised with prestigious honours: ASA Swimming Teacher of the Year, Opening Doors Volunteer of the Year, and the honour of running with the Olympic torch in 2012. Her podcast Swimout also brought her voice to a wider audience, shining a light on open water swimming and inclusion.

Building the Out For Sport community

Vicki’s time as Co-Chair of Out For Sport marked a turning point in the charity’s story. Stepping into the role with vision and energy, she transformed what was once a small network into a strong, united community. Under her leadership, the number of affiliated clubs grew from fewer than a dozen to 38 active LGBTQ+ clubs across London; massively expanding access to inclusive sport.

But her impact goes far beyond numbers. Vicki championed a culture of collaboration, visibility, and belonging. She brought clubs together, fostered partnerships, and helped ensure that LGBTQ+ athletes of all backgrounds felt seen and supported.

Thanks to Vicki, Out For Sport secured a £50,000 grant from Nike, which was distributed to seven grassroots clubs. That investment reached hundreds of sportspeople and funded trans-inclusive kit, mental health support, and new initiatives to welcome underrepresented communities.

Vicki led Out For Sport with humility, warmth, and fierce commitment. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of the Out For Sport community. Current Co-Chair, David Lionetti, says “Vicki didn’t just lead Out For Sport – she lifted it. Her belief in the power of inclusive sport to build community and change lives is something we carry forward every day. We’re standing on foundations she helped lay, and her impact continues to be felt across every club. This recognition is so well deserved.”

An inspirational hero

Vicki’s impact isn’t limited to advocacy and leadership. She has pushed her own limits by swimming the English Channel and completing the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan Island. These incredible achievements inspire everyone she meets, especially young people, showing the power of courage, dedication, and heart.

Her involvement with Mental Health Swims has empowered people to find confidence in the water, supporting mental wellbeing and independence.

Vicki embodies what it means to lead with kindness, courage, and an unshakeable commitment to the community. Her British Empire Medal honours a lifetime of service; but for all who know her, it’s a celebration of a truly remarkable person who has made sport more welcoming, inclusive, and full of joy. Congratulations, Vicki. A hero to us all.