The making of an elite swimmer: A look into Swim England's Pathway Programme with National Officer Carl Cooper

Roan Brennan - Swimming Editor

The progression from local club swimming to the international stage in England is complex yet carefully structured. According to Swim England National Sport Officer Carl Cooper, the system is designed to support long-term athlete development rather than reward early success.

The pathway begins at club level, before swimmers are formally identified and supported within structured programmes.

“Athletes are invited and receive support age 12 within their county, aged 13 within their region and aged 14+ nationally,” Cooper explains.

From this point, swimmers may progress towards national squads and, ultimately, the Aquatics GB World Class Programme.

However, Cooper is keen to stress that this pathway is not linear, stressing athletes do not “progress at the same rate as their physical growth and literacy develop at different rates.”

While some swimmers move consistently through each stage, others may drop out temporarily or enter later, such as at 15 through the Youth Development Programme. Crucially, this flexibility ensures that missing a stage does not end an athlete’s long-term prospects. At the early stages (county and regional level) the focus is firmly on skill development rather than performance. Selection is often based on medley events to encourage all-round ability.

Cooper highlights the importance of this approach:

“There is some evidence to suggest that skill development and enjoying the activity rather than focussing on performance outcomes, allows potential for greater success a senior athlete and greater longevity in the sport.”

As swimmers move into their mid-teen years, typically around 15 or 16, they may begin to show signs of elite potential. Yet even here, identifying future international athletes remains complex.

“This is very difficult as athletes progress and grow at different rates,” Cooper says.

At this stage, programmes such as the Youth Performance Squad and DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) aim to expose athletes to the demands of senior-level swimming while continuing their development both in and out of the pool.

Central to this progression is Swim England’s holistic development model. Rather than focusing solely on race times, the pathway builds well-rounded athletes through the OADF framework, developing the “Person”, “Athlete”, and “Performer.”

This approach ensures swimmers gain essential life skills alongside technical ability, preparing them for both elite sport and life beyond it.

Over the past decade, this structured approach has evolved significantly. Programmes have shifted from isolated training camps to year-long development systems, and age-group structures have been refined to better match individual growth. Integration between Para and Olympic pathways has also strengthened inclusivity and collaboration across the sport.

Despite these advancements, the transition from junior to senior success remains one of the biggest challenges.

“It is difficult to find one factor, it is generally a combination of reasons. These include technical skill, physical development, and mindset, particularly the ability to maintain enjoyment and resilience over time".

For young swimmers currently competing at county or regional level, the message is clear.

“Athletes will develop best when they have an understanding of the skills required and how they benefit swimming effectively and efficiently.”

Ultimately, in a system built around long-term growth, mastering the fundamentals remains the key to reaching the very top.