Inducted in 2024
Jim Anderson OBE
Swimming
Jim Anderson OBE, affectionately known as “Jim the Swim,” is a celebrated Scottish former Paralympic swimmer whose remarkable career spanned two decades, during which he consistently performed at the highest levels of competition, making him a true icon in the world of para swimming.
Over his impressive career, he represented Great Britain at six Paralympic Games from 1992 to 2012, securing a remarkable six gold medals. Four of Jim’s golds were won at a successful 2004 Athens Games, where he excelled in the 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle, as well as the 50m backstroke. He also won two golds at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Anderson’s achievements extend beyond the Paralympics; he has set two world records and four European records. Throughout his career, he amassed a staggering 57 medals across various competitions, including 17 medals at the Paralympics between 1992 and 2012 and 18 at World Championships from 1994 to 2010. His dominance in the sport is further highlighted by his 22 medals at European Championships, including 11 golds (between 1991 and 2011).
A lifelong member of the Splash Club in Broxburn and a former member of the Stirling Swimming Club (coached by Kerry Wood), Anderson trained at the University of Stirling. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful swimmers in Great Britain and is celebrated as a legend in the sport, particularly for other para swimmers.
In recognition of his contributions to para sport, Anderson received the BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year award in 2004. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2005 and later promoted to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2009.