November 23 - Lars Humer (pictured) has opted to move from his position as head coach of Britain's disability team to become assistant coach at the Intensive Training Centre (ITC) in Stockport, it was announced today.

 

Humer's leadership of Britain's disability team since 2002 has coincided with an enormously successful period, including a haul of 11 gold and 41 medals in all at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

 

But he will now work under head coach Sean Kelly with Stockport's swimming squad, which includes Olympic medallists Keri-Anne Payne and Cassie Patten.

 

A return to daily poolside coaching was behind Humer's decision.

 

He said: "I am looking forward to being back on pool deck on a day-to-day basis and having one-to-one coaching relationships with the athletes.

 

"I have worked with some of the world's best Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches in my career and I am looking forward to bringing that experience to my new role.

 

"I believe I am leaving British Disability swimming in a strong position for moving forward.

 

"The team is in a good position and there is also a good amount of lead-in time before London 2012."

 

Humer has been involved in aquatic sports since he was a child in New Zealand and his career has also seen him work with some of the world’s best athletes and coaches.

 

Humer knew that the time was right for him to make a change in his already successful career.

 

He said: "After Beijing, I came home and re-evaluated my career goals and I realised that I was missing everyday poolside coaching.

 

"Since then this job with the British Gas ITC came up and I expressed an interest and they took me on.

 

"I am looking forward to being back on pool deck on a day-to-day basis and having one-to-one coaching relationships with the athletes.

 

"I think I will bring a useful skill set to compliment Sean's coaching and I am looking forward to supporting him and the athletes.

 

"I have worked with some of the world's best Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches in my career and I am looking forward to bringing that experience to my new role."

 

Michael Scott, British Swimming's performance director, said: "Lars will be a valuable addition to the British Gas ITC Network coaching staff and the British Gas ITC in Stockport.

 

"I know that the team are looking forward to seeing him on the pool deck in Stockport making a positive contribution in the near future."