Swim England’s Talent Pathway Selection Policy for the 2021-22 season has now been released. Each stage of the national pathway is detailed within the guidelines and outlines how athletes are selected onto the four-stage national framework, which comprises the National Development Programme, National Event Camps, Swim England Junior Squad and Swim England Performance Squad.
The all-encompassing approach facilitates the Optimal Athlete Development Framework (OADF) and provide guidance on technical and tactical aspects of their stroke as well as nutrition, mental wellbeing, race execution and post-training recovery. Tools such as video analysis will be used to enhance the delivery of the programme’s content, which ultimately aims to holistically develop the participants as people, athletes, and performers. The coronavirus pandemic has meant athletes on the talent pathway this season have taken part in a mix of online training and poolside activity, which will continue in 2021-22.
Grant Robins, Swim England head of talent – swimming, said of the release: “This selection policy has been designed with fairness, transparency and inclusion in mind after what has been a challenging year for our athletes. The pathway will be a fun, positive experience for the athletes selected – and is it hoped that it fosters curiosity within the sport and encourages an environment of lifelong learning leading to some fantastic performance outcomes.” You can view the selection policy in full by clicking here.