Sparkes responds after Adlington makes waves

Adlington accused British Swimming of “ignoring” the swimmers following the inquest into Great Britain’s under-performance at London 2012.

She spoke with Sparkes on the phone on Wednesday, and a further meeting involving senior swimmers has been pencilled in for the new year.

A British Swimming statement read: “British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes has held initial discussions with Olympic swimmer Becky Adlington to listen to concerns raised following this week’s publication of the London 2012 performance debrief report.

“A healthy debate took place where Sparkes listened to and responded to the issues raised by Becky in the media this week.

“Sparkes will now meet the British Swimming athlete leadership group next month to update on actions from the debrief report and to ensure enhanced two-way communication with the group.”

The leadership group is comprised of senior athletes, but its composition could change following post-Olympic retirements.

Adlington won two gold medals in Beijing in 2008 and two bronze in London.

The 23-year-old was one of only two British medallists in the swimming pool, the other being Michael Jamieson, in the summer as the team fell short of their base target of five.

Adlington on Monday hit out at the failure to replace Dennis Pursley as head coach, despite the American having returned to the United States - as had always been planned - immediately after the Games.

National performance director Michael Scott resigned less than a fortnight ago, leaving two key roles vacant.

British Swimming announced on Tuesday that Mark Perry, head of development and open water, would be interim technical leader.

Jamieson is one of 19 swimmers who will compete in the World Short-Course (25metres) Championships which start in Istanbul, Turkey, next Wednesday.

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