Among the medals - athlete testimonials
But with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announcement, Alan received a £50,000 grant from UK Sport, with an additional personal grant of nearly £9,000. The grant has allowed him the financial freedom to commit to swimming full time:
“Prior to funding I would swim 20 hours per week covering 70-75km each week. Since receiving funding I am covering 75-85km per week in the water and doing between six and nine hours in the gym which will include
cycling, rowing, cross-training and swiss ball. So just looking at that, I can do at least 10km more in the water and an extra 6-9 hours in the gym which I couldn’t before. It has made such a positive impact and made it much easier to continue doing a sport which i have wanted to do since I was 12 and at my first national age group competition.”
This sentiment is echoed by Sam Greetham, the National performance director for open water swimming in the UK:
“Initially the investment will be used to develop Bircher as he has the potential to make it all the way to the podium. On the road to Beijing, he will now be able to compete at World Championships and World Cup events to help develop his talent and give him the best opportunity to succeed - this funding package will help his cause for Olympic honours. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”