BRITISH SWIMMING ANNOUNCES 2015 PERFORMANCE SQUADS

In total 64 athletes have been selected for the squads and will receive direct support from UK Sport through the World Class Performance Programme.

There are 21 Podium athletes who have been identified as having the potential to medal in Rio 2016.

Meanwhile 43 Podium Potential athletes, who mark a longer term investment and are considered to have a greater chance of medalling in 2020, have also been identified.

And British Swimming's National Performance Director Chris Spice believes that the funding can help to secure a successful future for the country�s swimmers.

"This APA funding programme is a vital investment in future performance," Spice said.

"It will provide valuable support to athletes for their continued preparation and development for success in 2016 and beyond.

"In defining our nominations to UK Sport, we performed a detailed analysis of athletes and their performances before meeting them face-to-face to discuss the pursuit of their goals in Rio or Tokyo.

"The challenge for us all is to build on the solid foundation of last season and make 2015 even better."

British Swimming Head of Performance Pathway Tim Jones added: "I believe we now have a group of young athletes that is more focused on the journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics than ever before and this is the UK Sport target for Podium Potential selection."

� Sportsbeat 2014