SWIMMING FUTURE BRIGHT A YEAR FROM BEIJING
A year out from the 2008 Beijing Olympics and British Swimming
National Performance Director Bill Sweetenham has labelled
the future of the sport as "extremely exciting"
thanks to a development system producing "sensational
talents".
Sweetenham has praised swimmers, parents, clubs and coaches
following the ASA National and Youth Championships in Sheffield
last week which showcased a wave of talent and, with 365 days
to go until the action in Beijing gets underway, Sweetenham
believes the future is bright.
British Swimming's World Class Programme team under Sweetenham
were in Sheffield throughout the ASA Championships to monitor
and analyse performances as they look to put together a strong
unit for Beijing and, longer term, for London 2012.
"We witnessed some great swimming and a tremendous surge
of fantastic new talent coming through the ranks in all ages,"
said Sweetenham.
"Both the Women's and Men's 200m Freestyle fields were
outstanding and nearly all other events fitted this category
as well. With Beijing just a year away, it's exciting times
for British Swimming."
The championships also highlighted to Sweetenham where efforts
need to be made to ensure British Swimming has challengers
in all events come London 2012.
"We do need to spend some more time on our individual
medleys within the younger age ranges and our youth breaststroke
talent pool also requires some attention," said Sweetenham.
"However, there are sensational talents in all events
and the future for all appears to be extremely exciting."
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