Swansea could be the proving ground for the next Michael Phelps or Rebecca Adlington following a massive Olympic boost for the city.
The Wales National Pool, Swansea has just been awarded Intensive Training Centre Status by British Swimming, which will see it become a breeding ground for swimmers competing in the London 2012 Olympics.
The Sketty Lane facility is one of just five Intensive Training Centres in the UK, capable of offering world-class daily training environments to development the finest swimming talent in the country.
British Swimming will also operate ITCs at key 50m pool and training facilities at the University of Bath, University of Stirling, Stockport and Loughborough University, making Swansea Wales's only ITC.
It's hoped the plan will build on our swimmers' Olympic medal joy and lead to long-term success for British swimming in the build up to the 2012 London Olympics. It will also offer a pathway for coaching development.
Jane Draper, Wales National Pool General Manager, said, "This is testament to the quality of the Wales National Pool and the dedication of our staff who have worked very hard to achieve this.
"Britain's performance in the pool in Beijing has been outstanding and the ICT network will help us build on this. We already have a crop of Olympic and Paralympic athletes whose training regimes are centred here, and now we are set to welcome the cream of UK swimming.
"As an Intensive Training Centre, Swansea will be nurturing some of the best young swimming and coaching talent in the UK."
Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council said, "This is fantastic news which really puts Swansea on the sporting map. The Wales National Pool has already has a huge impact on raising the profile of Welsh swimming and this will bring us to the next level.
"This is the only ITC in Wales and a real coup for Swansea and South West Wales.
City and County of Swansea - 20 August 2008
