Tom Dean, MBE, a freestyle swimmer and double Olympic gold medalist, was honored with the Freedom of the City of London today for his contributions to sports. Dean secured an individual gold in the 200-meter freestyle and a team gold in the 4×200-meter relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, representing the UK.
At the 2020 European Championships, he earned three golds and two silvers in team events, and a bronze in the individual 200m freestyle. In 2022, Dean won a bronze in the 200m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships, marking Great Britain’s first medal in this event. Recently, he clinched a gold at the British Swimming Championships in the 200m medley.
Dean expressed his deep gratitude and pride in receiving the Freedom of the City, noting its significance and the prestigious company he joins, including Royals and Prime Ministers.
Chris Hayward, the City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, praised Dean for his exceptional sports achievements, particularly at the 2020 Olympics. Alderman Robert Howard emphasized Dean’s historic and ongoing sports contributions and wished him well for the 2024 Paris preparations. Edward Lord, the City Corporation’s Lead Member for Sport, commended Dean as a sports role model.
The Freedom of the City of London, a tradition dating back to 1237, is awarded by the City of London Corporation to honor significant contributions to London or public life. Notable recent recipients include footballer Ian Wright, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, LGBTQ+ activist Amy Lamé, footballer Harry Kane, and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who led the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine development.
