Aquatics GB announces World Class Programme which is ‘full of promise’

Ten Olympic medallists are among 57 swimmers who have been named on Aquatics GB’s World Class Programme for the 2025 season.

‘Established athletes’ and ‘the next crop of British swimming talent’ make up the Podium and Podium Potential tiers, which is ‘full of promise’.

Tom Dean, James Guy, Duncan Scott and Matt Richards are among those in the Podium list on the back of winning gold medals in Paris and at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka before that.

Olympic finalists Abbie Wood, Freya Colbert and Laura Stephens are also part of the Podium section.

Meanwhile, the Podium Potential tier features several European Junior medallists from 2024, including breaststrokers Max Morgan and Theodora Taylor, who are new nominations to the World Class Programme, as well as sprint freestyle medallist Skye Carter and triple European Junior champion Amelie Blocksidge.

The 2025 season culminates with July and August’s World Aquatics Championships in Singapore and Chris Spice, Aquatics GB Performance Director, said he is encouraged by the strength in depth across the 57-strong list of athletes, which includes 37 English swimmers.

He said: “The start of a new Olympic cycle is always an exciting time across our World Class Programme, with established athletes looking to build on the work and performances they have put together over previous years, and opportunities for the next crop of British swimming talent to come through and flourish on the senior international stage.

“Off the back of a successful Games in Paris, several of our top athletes have had extended breaks which they richly deserved.  

Start building towards LA 2028

“This will no doubt impact on our team selection and performances in Singapore. However, I am particularly keen to see which of our youngsters can move forward this year and challenge for senior team selection.

“This is a year for us to find new talent and start building towards LA 2028 and we can’t wait to get going. In some ways it will be nice to return to a normal calendar over the next four years. 

“Aligned with the elite platform provided by our coaches and support staff at all levels, and with new Head Coach Steven Tigg at the helm following the invaluable long-time service of Bill Furniss, this is a group full of promise.

“I am looking forward to seeing how they flourish – beginning at our upcoming Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, which will see so many of these swimmers targeting selection to the World Championship or junior representative teams for the summer.”

All athletes named on the WCP are included after going through a thorough selection process, which focuses on a detailed assessment of their capability to be successful at future Olympics and senior World Championships. 

They will also receive programme opportunities and targeted support from Aquatics GB and UK Sport, including key competition opportunities and training camp experiences throughout the season.

There is also access to comprehensive support from the world-leading Aquatics GB performance and sports science and sports medicine staff, and an athlete performance award. 

The Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, at the London Aquatics Centre from 15 to 20 April, is a key selection event for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships and Para Swimming World Championships.

Tickets for the Championships are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.