New ‘exciting identity’ for Performance Squad ahead of Birmingham 2022

A new ‘exciting identity’ is being created for the Swim England National Performance Squad ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The country’s elite athletes on the British Swimming World Class Programme – including the likes of Adam Peaty, Freya Anderson and Maisie Summers-Newton – will be included in the squad for the first time.

They will be among the swimmers selected for a ‘larger-than-normal’ National Performance Squad which aims to bring together everyone who will be considered for selection for Team England at the Commonwealth Games.

The aim is to cultivate an England Swimming Team identity ahead of what promises to be a ‘exhilarating experience’ of a home Games.

The names of who will initially be included in the team will be revealed at the beginning of next year.

Grant Robins, Swim England Head of Talent – Swimming, who will also be the swimming team leader at Birmingham 2022, said: “We felt this was the time to start to galvanise interest, support and momentum in the run up to Birmingham 2022 as an England Swimming Team and we’re looking forward to seeing what everyone can achieve.

“A home multi-sports Games doesn’t happen very often and we have a huge opportunity to create a really memorable occasion for all involved.

“This is an exciting prospect for all supporters of Team England in the run-up to the Games.

“To have the time to cultivate that England identity so far in advance of Birmingham is a game changer and will offer us those one per cent gains needed to podium at international meets.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved with the World Class Programme at British Swimming for their support and we look forward to working even more closely with them in the run up to the Commonwealth Games.”

Unique Games

All the athletes on the World Class Programme will still be managed by British Swimming but, in the run-up to the Games, will be involved in England Swimming Team camps in preparation for the Games.

The swimmers selected for the National Performance Squad will also attend a number of other Swim England-run camps and have individual training plans prepared for them to help their development and, hopefully, their qualification for Birmingham.

Chris Spice, British Swimming’s National Performance Director, added: “Working with all our home nations to deliver a great home Commonwealth Games is a priority for us in 2022.

“These Games will help shape our Paris 2024 Olympic Games team and the opportunity to work so closely with England in the lead up to Birmingham will be hugely exciting.”

Chris Furber, British Swimming’s National Para-swimming Performance Director, added: “The Commonwealth Games are unique as they provide the only opportunity for our elite swimmers and para-swimmers to compete together in integrated teams, which is such an exciting prospect.

“I’m delighted by the approach Swim England are taking with this ‘team identity’ and I know that all the swimmers involved will take a lot from the experience.”