SPORTS MINISTER PRAISES GB TEAM
Minister for Sport Richard Caborn has praised the British
swimming team for their outstanding performance at the IPC
World Championships in Durban this month.
The 33-strong squad took the World Championship title with
an impressive 24 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals.
The battle for the top spot was down to the final race of
the meet when the women's 20-point 4x50m Medley team sealed
victory for Britain with gold. The USA, who were strong contenders
for the title, were just behind with 23 gold medals.
"The success of the British Swimming team at the IPC
World Swimming Championships in South Africa was a fantastic
achievement and one of which all those involved with the team
should be justly proud," said Caborn. "I am well
aware that the athlete success was a real team effort with
the role of coaches and support staff equally vital.
"The overall result and individual medal success reflects
the dedication and depth of talent prevalent amongst our Paralympic
swimmers.
"The success builds on the achievements of Athens and
I am sure that all those involved with Paralympic swimming
will now be focused upon a committed training schedule in
the build up to Beijing. I very much hope the success to date
can be replicated in Beijing."
National Performance Director Tim Reddish underlined key
factors behind the success of the team.
"The result was way beyond our expectations," he
said. "Our world class preparation for the event was
reflected by the team's outstanding performance.
"We were the best prepared team in Durban, with the
best group of coaches and support staff. Everyone gelled brilliantly
as a team and supported each from the orientation camp in
Swansea through to the competition itself.
"Our brilliant success can also be credited to the home-based
coaches and our key partners, including the home nation Institutes
and UK Sport."
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