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Last Updated: Saturday, 24 July, 2004, 11:53 GMT 12:53 UK
GB chief slams facilities
Bill Sweetenham
British swimming chief Bill Sweetenham has launched a savage attack on the country's level of investment in sport.

The Australian, who last week signed a four-year extension to his contract, renewed his critcism of the quality of facilities in Britain.

"Although they think they've invested large amounts of money, it's been tiddlywinks," he told BBC Five Live.

"No-one wants to hear that. Britain has not invested in sport and it's foolish to say they have."

He added: "In swimming, we have the worst facilities in the top 20 countries in the world. That's not investment in sport - that's neglect and negligence.

The lottery has saved British sport
Bill Sweetenham,
GB swimming national performance director
"To be demanding results when you haven't invested in facilities is nonsensical.

"I think we'll have a good Olympics but we've broken the tradition that says you've got to have good facilities to get results.

"You can only break that cycle so many times."

Swimming's national performance director believes it is already too late to prepare adequately for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

"The lottery has saved British sport but whatever facilities we have now are where we'll be in 2008," he said.

"If they start building new facilities today they'll help 2012, but not 2008.

"I have had no success at all in convincing government or local authorities to provide facilities. If you judge me on that, I'm an absolute failure."





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