Performance Swimming

Providing accomplished swimmers with the opportunity to capture their dreams and chase success.

At Loughborough University, we are proud to lead one of the most successful senior swimming programmes in the UK - renowned worldwide for producing elite athletes and delivering results at the highest level of the sport. The programme features two squads, High Performance 1 and High Performance 2, both of which include para swimmers.

Our vision is to develop outstanding student-athletes, supporting them to achieve their full potential both in the pool and academically. Loughborough swimmers have gone on to win medals at Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship level, while setting numerous World, European, and National records.

We enter 3 BUCS competitions: BUCS Short Course, BUCS Long Course and BUCS Teams. Additionally, we enter many other national and international meets over the year alongside training at overseas camps.

Our performance programme is led by Director of Swimming Andi Manley, supported by a team of seven expert coaches - five of whom bring significant international experience, including Olympic and World Championship success. This high-level coaching is underpinned by a full network of performance services. The University invests over £1 million each year into performance sport and facilities, creating a professional training environment that allows swimmers to thrive.

Loughborough University provides a unique setting where elite sport and academic excellence go hand in hand. As part of our swimming programme, student-athletes benefit from access to world-class training facilities, outstanding academic support, and a culture of ambition and achievement that defines Loughborough.

If you are driven to compete at the highest level while gaining a degree from a globally respected institution, Loughborough Swimming offers an unrivalled platform to take your career to the next level.

A para swimmer in a wheelchair next to the pool

Para Swimming

The Loughborough Para swimming programme works in tandem with our Olympic programme.  The Loughborough Para swimming offer is led by Andy Wallace, our Para swim coach.  Those athletes who meet our performance standards (contact Andy for the Para-specific times) also then receive support through our performance programme at the appropriate tier for their performance level.

Benefits

Up to 11 swim sessions per week
Bespoke training plan for Performance Group Athletes
Tailored strength and conditioning sessions at Powerbase Gym
Training at the Olympic size Loughborough University Swimming Pool
Comprehensive Performance Support, including access to physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, physiology, and more
Performance Lifestyle support to help you balance elite sport with academic success
Scholarship opportunities for athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment
Performance tier times 2025-26 season
Dan Wiffen side profile shot wearing a swimming cap

When I joined Loughborough Swimming, my personal bests were 8:13 for 800m Freestyle and 15:39 for 1500m Freestyle. I leave with personal bests of 7:38 and 14:34. The performance programme at Loughborough shaped my progress and has made me the athlete I am today. It pushed me, supported me, and raised my standards. I believe it will build many future Olympic champions long after I am gone!

Daniel Wiffen
BSc Computer Science

Coaching staff

Andi Manley, outside, wearing Loughborough Swimming kit, smiling, looking directly at the camera

Andi Manley

Director of Swimming (HP1 Distance)

With over 20 years of full-time coaching experience, Andi has coached a swimmer to every major international championship at junior and senior level. Andi’s athletes have won medals at the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, World Short Course Championships, European Short Course Championships, European Junior Championships and European Youth Olympic Festival.

Richard Denigan wearing Loughborough Swimming kit, smiling, looking directly at the camera

Richard Denigan

Associate Head Coach (HP1 Mid Distance)

Over 20 years experience including 18 years with City of Leeds Swimming Club, the premier swimming club programme in Britain. Has helped junior and senior athletes reach every major international competition including the Olympic Games. He has helped athletes win 51 medals at major championships across a wide range of events.

Andy Wallace wearing Loughborough Swimming kit, smiling, looking directly at the camera

Andy Wallace

HP2 and Para Lead (HP2 Mid Distance and Distance)

Andy has over 17 years of coaching experience and joined the Loughborough University team in January 2022. He had previously been working with British Swimming as a support coach for 4 years working closely with coach David Hemmings and his Olympic swimmers.

Connor Andrews wearing Loughborough Swimming kit, smiling, looking directly at the camera

Connor Andrews

Sprint Lead (HP1 and HP2 Sprint)

Loughborough University Swimming graduate Connor has been involved with the programme for the last nine years, first as a student-athlete and then as a coach. Connor leads the sprint programme and has experience coaching with Aquatics GB at the European and World Championships, as well as coaching with Team GB at the Olympic Games.

Prospective students

For more information about the team, programme, or general queries, please get in touch, and a programme staff member will respond.  

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