British Swimming announces performance squads
British Swimming has announced the Podium and Podium Potential squads of athletes who will receive direct support from UK Sport through the World Class Performance Programme for 2014.
Sixty-two athletes across Podium (22) and Podium Potential (40) will receive targeted financial assistance through receipt of an Athlete Personal Award (APA) in addition to training camp and competition opportunities, science and medicine services, as well as the support of the British Swimming World Class Programme staff.
Podium level support identifies athletes who have the potential to medal in 2016 while Podium Potential support marks a longer term investment by supporting athletes who are considered to have a greater chance of medalling in 2020.
British Swimming National Performance Director Chris Spice said: “This programme of APA funding is designed to invest in future performance. It will provide valuable support to athletes for their continued preparation and development for success in 2016 and beyond.
“We took a very detailed look at athletes who we think can achieve their goals in Rio or Tokyo and competition for places has been extremely tough.
“I’d like to thank UK Sport and the National Lottery for this investment which ensures our athletes are among the best supported in the world. In view of our ongoing review with UK Sport we have decided to announce only 40 places in our Podium Potential squad for this coming season down from the 65 listed in our published policy. ”
British Swimming Head of Performance Pathway Tim Jones said: “As part of the nomination process for Podium Potential we cast our net far and wide. We undertook a detailed 360 degree analysis on around 100 young athletes before settling on a high quality, focussed group of 40 based on their predicted progressions and potential for future success.
“This cohort have clearly indicated they have an athlete profile and potential which, if fulfilled will give them an outstanding chance of achieving success in the future. Our programme will add value and assist in their development within the sport as they work towards their primary focus of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.”
Swimming is currently involved in an investment review process with UK Sport. Consequently, future investment figures will be confirmed by no later than February 2014 at which point Swimming will be able to confirm final athlete nominations for 2014.
