Millward, winner of four gold medals at the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships, has now begun working with head coach Rob Greenwood as she steps up her preparations for next year’s Paralympics.

“I moved to Manchester because I needed to train somewhere that was motivated in the same way as I am - solely towards the Paralympics,” she said.

“I wanted all the swimmers and coaches to be thinking about ways they could get better and things that would produce faster swims.

“I think Manchester will offer me all the things I was missing when I trained anywhere else as well as providing the motivation from the coaches and the other team members - 'One World One Dream' was the motto for Beijing 2008 and I feel this is the same in Manchester.”

The 34-year-old swimmer, who competes in the S9 classification, pointed towards the world-class facilities at the centre as the main reason for her decision to make a permanent move to Manchester.

Millward, a five-times European champion, claims the centre, opened in 2013, “has everything a swimmer would need” and gives her the best possible chance of securing another podium finish at Rio 2016 after she won four silvers and one bronze at London 2012.

“It has wonderful coaches who think only about ways to get you faster, more streamlined and quicker in the water,” she added.

“It also supplies a chef so you don't need to think about organising your meals and your daily routine will be discussed with the coaches to allow for rest and recovery time.

“It also has cameras where you can work on perfecting your dive, stroke, turns, finish - everything a swimmer would need.

“I feel as though I am being looked after really well by the staff members but also have my freedom and my independence - the best of both worlds."

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