Team structure and performance tiers

Loughborough Swimming brings athletes together in a structured pathway designed to help them train, grow, and perform at their best.

Swimmers are grouped into training squads and performance tiers based on their event type, performance level, and World Aquatics (WA) or British Para-Swimming (BPS) points.

This system ensures every athlete receives the right level of support, coaching, and development opportunities.

Training squads

Our training environment is organised into performance-focused squads. Each squad supports a specific stroke profile or performance level:

High Performance 1 (HP1)

  • HP1 Sprint
  • HP1 Mid-Distance
  • HP1 Distance

These groups are designed for our top-tier athletes, providing the highest level of performance support, technical development, and competition focus.

High Performance 2 (HP2)

  • HP2 Sprint
  • HP2 Mid-Distance
  • HP2 Distance

These squads support developing high-performance athletes who are progressing toward HP1 levels. They offer strong technical coaching, training volume appropriate to the event group, and access to performance services.

AU Swimming Development Squad

This squad focuses on growth, skill acquisition, and preparing swimmers for progression into the high-performance pathway.

Para Swimming

Para swimmers train across High Performance 2 and the AU Development Squad, depending on their classification, performance level, and training needs.

Performance tiers

Athletes are also classified into performance tiers, which determine the level of support and resources available. These tiers reflect WA points for Olympic swimming events and BPS points for Para Swimming.

Platinum

  • Olympic: WA ‘A’ qualifying times
  • Para: 900+ BPS points

Gold

  • Olympic: 800–820 WA points
  • Para: 800+ BPS points

Silver

  • Olympic: 725–755 WA points
  • Para: 700+ BPS points

Bronze

  • Olympic: 680–710 WA points
  • Para: 550+ BPS points

Below Bronze

  • Olympic: Below 680 WA points
  • Para: Below 550 BPS points

Progression pathway

Athletes can move through the performance tiers and training squads as they develop. Progression is based on performance improvements and coach assessment.

Each advancement unlocks greater access to coaching, sport science services, and developmental support.