 Sweetenham is taking a more hands-on approach to coaching |
British swimming chief Bill Sweetenham predicts a new crop of stars will emerge at this week's World Championship trials in Manchester. The retirements of senior swimmers such as Stephen Parry and Karen Legg presents a chance for the younger generation to break through.
And Sweetenham believes the brightest talent will emerge among the women.
"I think we'll see a group of young girls coming through as a new generation begins to shine," he said.
The event at Manchester's Aquatic Centre gives swimmers one of two chances to qualify for the global competition in Helsinki in July.
Sweetenham added: "There is an unbelievable opportunity for Britain over the next 18 months starting with the trials this week.
"We have the World Championships this summer, the Commonwealth Games trials soon after, the World University Games in Turkey in August, the European Short-course Championships in December and the Commonwealth Games in Australia next March.
"Unfortunately we are going to lose more of our senior athletes this year as we have an ageing squad.
"I am certain there will be retirements - but we are in a position now where we have an exciting group of youngsters maturing all of the time."
MMIX
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