Lucy Morton was born in 1898 in New Tatton, Cheshire, but her family relocated to Blackpool when she was a child. At the age of ten, she joined the local amateur swimming club. Blackpool Council supported her training by opening the local swimming baths early in the mornings and late in the evenings, long before the Olympic-sized Derby Baths opened in 1939. Lucy achieved considerable success, winning an Olympic gold medal in the 200m breaststroke at the 1924 Paris Summer Games. Her accomplishments began even earlier, as she held world swimming records in 1914, 1916, and 1920. From 1919 to 1927, Lucy lived in Blackpool Town Hall, where her father served as the Mayor’s Attendant. She married Harry Heaton, MBE, in 1934 and became Lucy Heaton. Although she did not compete in any further national or international events, she remained dedicated to the sport, working as a swimming instructor for Blackpool Council from 1930 until 1972. During this time, she coached three local swimmers to international success. Highly respected in her field, she officiated at numerous events and served as a chaperone to the British Swimming Team. In 1969, she was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II, and in 1988, she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, USA.
Lucy Morton’s blue plaque hangs outside Blackpool Town Hall. © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd
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