Performance swimming
Loughborough University offers a unique environment where students can realise their sporting and academic dreams and Loughborough University Swimming is proud to house one of the finest senior programmes in the world.
Our vision is to develop our swimmers into the best possible student-athletes, reaching their full potential both in and out of our magic waters. As a team, we pride ourselves on having a tradition and culture of excellence that embodies everything that we do and has enabled our swimmers to win medals at the World Championships, Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games.
Loughborough University invests over a million pounds in performance sports and facilities each year. Thanks to this investment, Director of Swimming Andi Manley can lead one of the finest swim programmes in the world with a world-class support network of coaches and staff.
As a member of Loughborough Swimming, you will receive expert coaching, access to our world-class facilities, heavily discounted Powerbase gym membership, strength and conditioning training, sports science, and sports medicine support. Our Performance Support Team has vast shared experience working with coaches and athletes at the very highest level.
A typical week includes:
- Up to 11 swim sessions
- Bespoke training plan for Platinum (FINA 'A' Time) level athletes
- Physiotherapy support
- Technique analysis and filming
- Strength and conditioning support
- Workshops designed specifically to enhance performance and achieve academic/sporting balance
For more information about the team, programme, or general queries, please email performanceswimcoach@lboro.ac.uk, and a programme staff member will respond.
Further information
*The bronze times in the Performance Tiers document are the automatic qualifying times for the Performance Team.
*All times must have been achieved in licensed meets from 1 July 2024 to 31 August 2025 for incoming students and from 1 January to 31 August 2025 for returning students. Times are Long Course Metres (no conversions).
Athletic Union Trials
Trials for the Loughborough Swimming Athletic Union Club will take place on Wednesday 1 October 2025 from 17:00 - 18:30
The trials' purpose is to fill the remaining spaces in the performance structure and to fill the Athletic Union Squad, which will have no qualifying times.
Student testimonials
Izzy Buist
Athletic Union Squad
Joining through trials showed me Loughborough’s unique support and high-performance culture. With my coaches' guidance, I switched to the sprint squad and found incredible opportunities and friendships along the way!
Daniel Wiffen
High Performance Squad
Studying ITMB at Loughborough while training in the high-performance squad shaped me into a champion and a disciplined student. The experience taught me resilience, invaluable lessons and prepared me to meet challenges at the highest level.
Fleur Lewis
High Performance Squad
My time at Loughborough has been hugely rewarding, both studying Graphic Design while earning international medals and a British record. The supportive coaches, especially Andi Manley, and the elite environment helped me grow through every challenge.
Luke Ibbeson
High Performance Squad
Loughborough’s driven team creates an inspiring environment to grow and succeed alongside like-minded athletes. Winning medals is special, but doing it with friends is an unforgettable experience and the transition to senior swimming truly rewarding.
Ben Harrison
Alumni
Loughborough pushes you to be your best, with teammates and staff supporting both athletic and academic success. Wearing the African Violet, I’ve made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories - choosing Loughborough was one of my best decisions.
Meet the team
Our Performance Programme consists of seven Performance Coaches, five of which have vast international experience including coaching Olympic and World Champions.
