Stirling’s swimming centre of excellence status under threat

British Swimming has given a strong indication that Stirling’s centre of excellence could lose its international training centre status.

The sport suffered a £400,000 nationwide funding cut after winning just three of its five targeted medals at London 2012. Now the Scottish centre and one in Swansea are believed to be under threat, while Lough-borough and Bath are safe.

British Swimming performance director Chris Spice said: “What we’ll absolutely be doing is still investing [in Swansea and Stirling], it’s just at what level and it may not be in one centre.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government will seek urgent discussions with British Swimming and UK Sport about these proposals and make clear our concern about any cut in funding to the Stirling centre.

“We also want to reassure athletes that the Scottish Government, through the Sportscotland institute of sport, will ensure the continuation of high performance training facilities and performance programmes for our swimmers here in Scotland.”