Bill Furniss

GB Swimming Head CoachBill Furniss is no stranger to challenge and hard work. Bill knows what it takes to succeed with his biggest claim to fame as he ledGreat Britain to its most successful Olympics at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. His commitment and drive towards leadership and sport are commendable, making him a firm favourite in the sporting world. Bill is renowned for coaching the amazingRebecca Adlington, theBritish 2 x Olympic Gold MedallistandWorld Record Holder.

Bill began his career in swimming coaching in the late 1970s and progressed to a full-time swimming coach teaching the people of Nottingham by the late 1980s. Recognised for his leadership skills, Bill was named thehead coach for the England teamin the1994 Commonwealth games. Following his success within his first major head coach role, he was selected for multiple other opportunities including the1995 European Aquatics Championships, the 2012 Summer Olympicsand the2016 Olympics. Bill is now thoroughly experienced in coaching, having 30 years at the international level.

Over the years, his personal development as a coach matched the increasing level of swimmers, ultimately seeing him become thebest ASA Coach Tutorin the country. In reward for his dedication to swimming coaching, Bill wasawarded an OBEin the2017 Birthday Honoursfor his services to swimming. He was also honoured with aspecial achievement awardat theannual Nottinghamshire Sports awardfor his success in the sporting industry.