Whether it’s the thrill of an open water challenge or the celebration of a junior club gala, the right swimming medal turns a great event into an unforgettable one. At MedalStudio, we’ve designed and manufactured thousands of bespoke medals for swimming events across the UK and US, with every single one telling a story.
Here, we’re spotlighting a few of our favourite custom swimming medals. These designs don’t just look great, they reflect our passion for quality craftsmanship, meaningful design, and fast, local service.
1. Swim England Outdoor Mile Medal
Let’s start strong. This medal was created for the Swim England Outdoor Mile, a standout open water event in the UK swimming calendar. What makes this one special? It’s all about contrast and detail.
- Material: Sustainable wood that is lightweight and eco-friendly
- Design: A bold silhouette of a swimmer, printed directly onto the surface
- Details: Double-lined border, arrow motif, and rich teal ribbon for a classic finish
We love how this medal combines modern graphics with a natural material. It’s tactile, light to wear, and stands out from the usual metal crowd. It is perfect for open water events that value sustainability and uniqueness.
2. Blue & Black Iconic Swimming Medal
If you want your swimming medal to make a bold, high-energy impression, this design ticks every box. Crafted in durable black acrylic with bright cyan printing, it’s clean, modern, and all about movement.
- Material: Precision-cut acrylic
- Design: Iconic swimming figure slicing through stylised waves
- Typography: Balanced text layout for easy readability
- Finish: Matte black background with high-contrast colour
This type of acrylic medal is a favourite among clubs hosting sprint events or youth swim galas. It’s fun, sharp and great for day pics and podium moments.
3. Castle Lake Race – Open Water Swim Medal
There’s something about open water swimming that feels a little more epic, and this medal captures that emotion.
- Material: Brushed metal with domed faceplate
- Shape: Rounded square for a fresh, modern profile
- Design: A stylised swimmer breaking through the surface
- Text: Clear branding, distance marker (2km Finisher), and race name
This swimming medal was created for the Castle Lake Race, an event known for its scenic course and community vibe. The cool gradient blues echo the open water theme perfectly. It’s the kind of medal you proudly hang on your wall long after race day.
4. Aqua House Outdoor Swimming Medal – Position Based
Last but not least, this is a medal that means business. Designed for the Aqua House Outdoor Swimming challenge, this award combines detailed event information with strong placement graphics.
- Material: Polished metal with printed colour blocks
- Design: Split layout with event details and placement number
- Features: Team name, date, swim level, and water type
- Colour: Cool aqua tones with dark grey base for contrast
Why do we love this one? Because it’s proof that a swimming medal can be functional and stylish. It provides all the info an athlete will want to remember, while still being sleek enough to frame.
Why Custom Swimming Medals Matter
Every swimming event is different, and so should their medals be. Whether it’s a timed race, a community splash, or a high-performance team competition, your medal is more than just an end-of-race souvenir. It’s a reminder of the effort, the community, and the splash of excitement that brought everyone together.
At MedalStudio, we make it easy to create your own custom swimming medal:
- Flexible design process: Work with our in-house team or bring your own concept
- Fast production times: Thanks to local UK and US-based manufacturing
- Eco-conscious options: Choose from wood, recycled metal, acrylic and more
- Fully personalised: From shapes and colours to ribbons and engraving
What Makes a Great Swimming Medal?
Here are a few tips from our team if you’re planning your next event:
- Feature: Why It Matters
- Material: Impacts weight, feel, and eco-friendliness
- Shape: Can reflect the event type or theme
- Colours: Important for visibility and branding
- Ribbon Style: Enhances presentation and comfort
- Personalisation: Makes medals feel meaningful and memorable
From clean and corporate to bold and creative, we’ll help you hit the right note for your swimmers — whether they’re diving in for fun or fighting for the podium.
Ready to Make a Splash?
Inspired by these designs? We’d love to help you create a swimming medal that makes your next event shine.
Start designing your custom swimming medal today
Updated: 25/09/2025