Former Olympic Swimmer becomes British Esports Co-Vice Chair
Alice Dearing, former Olympic swimmer and the first black woman to represent Team GB at an Olympic Games, has been appointed Co-Vice Chair of the British Esports Federation, the UK’s national esports governing body. Dearing competed in the 10km marathon swimming event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and was a junior World Champion in 2016 before retiring from competitive swimming in 2024, ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The appointment comes at a significant time for UK esports, with the inaugural Esports Nations Cup set to take place later in 2026. Dearing has been involved with the British Esports Federation since joining its Advisory Board in September 2022, and her new role as Co-Vice Chair represents a continuation and elevation of her commitment to the esports community.
The appointment also comes amid mixed news for British esports, as the UK’s League of Legends competitive team faces a setback following Marc ‘Caedrel’ Lamont’s decision to decline coming out of retirement for the squad. Despite this challenge, Dearing’s appointment signals the Federation’s continued focus on leadership and governance during a pivotal year for the competitive gaming scene in Great Britain.