“There aren’t lots of strong competitions because there isn’t enough depth in the UK. The Mare Nostrum, three high-profile races in France, would be a great experience for some of the swimmers.
“I think Furniss and Spice are going to put some brilliant things in place and it’s just a shame we couldn’t have done this straight after the Olympics.”
Six-time world champion Mark Foster says he would like to see British leaders revise their approach on athletes being based abroad.
At present, those who choose to base themselves outside the UK are denied any funding and effectively go it alone, such as British record holder Adam Brown, who is based in Auburn, US, and Dan Wallace, 20, who was sixth in the 400m individual medley, who trains out in Florida with Ryan Lochte.
“If we have someone who wants to go out to America and swim, then support them, don’t take their funding away,” said Foster.
Further details of the British Swimming shake-up are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, which will also include a key decision on the future of two Intensive Training Centres [ITCs].
Stockport’s ITC closed after London 2012 as the sport looked at ways to cope with the reduction in funding.
There are currently four ITCs, but the restructuring or possible closing of bases in Swansea and Stirling are said to be under consideration.
Whatever the fine details, the key message from Spice and Furniss will be that the future will be more focused, with the ultimate aim of Team GB winning more medals in Rio than it did in London.
