Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697646653498.pdf (Bahamas)
Percival Andrew “Andy” Knowles Member of the National Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Andy Knowles, a world class Olympic athlete and coach, has been involved with com- petitive swimming in The Bahamas for over 40 years.

As a proud Bahamian, he believes in giving back to his community and country, and has dedicated over 33 years to coach- ing the next generation of Bahamian swimmers.
His desire to see every Bahamian learn to swim led to the development of a program to teach Government primary school chil- dren to swim using private facilities.

The Nassau Yacht Club welcomed Andy from the age of five until he reached 16 years old, training countless hours in all weather conditions to compete both locally and in Florida.

During this time, he also began swimming in the fa- mous Kiwanis Harbour Marathon, reigning champion from 1970-1975.
Andy left The Bahamas to study at St. Andrew’s School on Boca Raton, Florida, where he swam on the Varsity Team for two years.

His first International-Regional meet was CAC 1974, resulting in a 5th place finish in the 400m Freestyle event.

Andy’s swimming career has given him the opportunity to serve as a representative of The Bahamas on many occa- sions, culminating with the Olympic Games in 1976 where both Andy and his brother Bruce, became the first Bahami- ans to swim in the Olympics.
However, over the last 28 years Andy’s focus has been on coaching, sharing his knowledge and love of swimming with Bahamians both young and old.

Andy has coached numerous swimmers to US Junior and Senior National Level standards, as well as guiding them to medals at regional meets.

Throughout his illus- trious coaching career, Andy has also coached several swimmers to World Class level meets, including the Olympic Games, and worked with Olympians Allan Murray and Jeremy Knowles to top 25 World Ranking.
As a certified ASCA Level Distinguished International Level (5) Coach, Andy has led teams to nine National Championships; acted as Head Coach at the 1991, 1997, 2007 and 2008 World Championships the 2003 and 2007 Pan American Games; the 2003 World University Games; the 2006 Commonwealth Games; the 2010 CAC Games; as well as numerous regional age group meets such as CARIFTA, CISC and CCCAN.

Andy has the privilege of coaching the Bahamian Olympic team in 1983, 1992, 1996, 2006, 2004 and 2008.
Much of Andy’s success has been achieved alongside his parents, Percy and Yvonne, his wife, Nancy, and their four children: Dallas, Jeremy, April and Elliott.

Andy and Nancy are the proprietors of Swift Swimming Programmes, pres- ently offering Swim American Learn to Swim lessons, Fitness, Competitive and Masters swim programs at Lyford Cay International School, St. Anne’s School and St. Andrew’s International School.
Andy’s passion for coaching and his vi- sion to see every Bahamian learn to swim have been realized in the expansion of Swift Swimming to include Govern- ment primary school children.

With the aid of donations from Corporate and private sponsorship students from Thel- ma Gibson, Sandilands, Gambier and Adelaide participating in the Learn to Swim program throughout the school year are taken to St. Andrew’s, St. Anne’s Lyford Cay schools respectively where free swimming lessons are available.
Andy and Nancy hope to see the program grow to include more schools giving Bahamian children the opportunity to learn to swim in a safe and fun environment.

Andy Knowles has loyally served The Bahamas throughout his life as an athlete, coach and businessman.

His desire to help children learn to swim and to develop the next generation of Bahamian swimmers to represent the Bahamas is evident through his many accomplishments and the devotion and support he shows to the members of Swift Swim- ming.
His character is indisputably above reproach, making him a reliable and steadfast team player in all that he does.