UK SPORT AIDS OLYMPIC OPEN WATER CAUSE
UK Sport has announced a programme of funding to support
British Open Water Swimming in its challenge for honours at
the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Three months after open water swimming was revealed as part
of the Olympic programme for Beijing, UK Sport has unveiled
the level of Lottery funding the sport will receive over the
next 12 months.
Investment of up to £50,000 will predominantly be used
to support a detailed and dedicated programme for Britain's
number one open water swimmer Alan Bircher.
The University of Bath athlete, currently training in Germany,
has already achieved success at World and European level but
the Olympics is his main focus after the 10km event was formerly
adopted as an Olympic sport in October last year.
National Performance Director for British Open Water Swimming
Sam Greetham has welcomed the funding which he sees as essential
in enhancing Bircher's chance of challenging for Olympic success
as well as the development of the sport in the UK.
"In Alan Bircher we have a real Olympic prospect and
UK Sport has recognised this fact with this award," said
Greetham.
"Initially the investment will be used to develop Bircher
as he has the potential to make it all the way to the podium.
On the road to Beijing, Bircher will now be able to compete
at World Championships and World Cup events to help develop
his talent and give him the best opportunity to succeed.
"Bircher is a World and European medallist and this
funding package will help his cause for Olympic honours. It's
a wonderful opportunity for Bircher and the sport as a whole
to receive this recognition."
The investment will help towards the cost of training fees,
distance development camps and other essential aspects of
the athlete's development at what is a critical time in his
Olympic preparation.
"The first event of the season is in Argentina next
month," added Greetham. "It's important that Bircher
is able to compete at such events as qualification for Beijing
is just over a year away with the World Championships in Melbourne
likely to provide the first opportunity.
"We'll soon be entering a 12-month cycle with the possibility
of Olympic qualification at the end of it. Over the next year
it's important that Bircher competes at European and World
level to gain as much experience as he can."
Greetham is excited about the future thanks to the new partnership
announced between British Swimming and UK Sport.
"As more swimmers come through the system we hope further
money will be available to ensure we can challenge at Olympics.
"Over the next five to 10 years we hope to develop a
system where swimmers are able to make the transition from
the pool to open water. We'll also continue to identify and
nurture young swimmers with the potential to compete at the
2012 London Olympics."
Bircher will also be entitled to an UK Sport athlete personal
award of up to £8,915.
|
