A group of 17 promising British swimming talents is being mentored by double Olympic medallist Jazz Carlin as an integral part of a partnership project designed to enhance future careers within the sport.
British Swimming, UK Sport and the home nations of England, Scotland and Wales have combined for the Performance Foundations Pilot Programme which looks at ways to improve and increase the transition rate along the performance pathway - from home nations to podium potential to podium success.
The group, drawn from across the home nations and featuring girls aged 16-18, will undertake its second development opportunity this week when it travels to compete at the Pro Swim Series in Indianapolis alongside a combined British squad of Podium and Podium Potential athletes.
Athletes will have a short four-day camp where they will continue to develop as swimmers with the potential to succeed as part of the first year of the pilot programme.
Three activities have been scheduled and Indianapolis follows the initial gathering for the group at an outward bound residential in Kent at the end of last year.
“This latest event for the group offers an invaluable camp and competition opportunity in the U.S. while a third session is also in the pipeline,” explained British Swimming Head of Elite Development Tim Jones.
“The project is a great opportunity for the athletes to develop while partners are able to look more closely at the transitions along the development pathway.”
Carlin, who won silver medals in the 800m and 400m freestyle events at the Rio 2016 Olympics, will travel with the group to the U.S. and has already spent time with them as a mentor at the programme’s first camp.
“It’s been a really great experience so far,” said Carlin. “I was once in the position of not knowing what my true potential was and being supported by someone who has been through that development process is really vital.
“I get to work with a group of hard-working young female athletes who have demonstrated courage and strength in challenging environments both in and out of the pool. I’ve already been away with the group where mental strength and resilience were tested, and we have already seen some of them take big steps forward. I’m sure they will continue to grow when we compete in the U.S.”