British Swimming Head Coach Bill Furniss Retires After Stellar Olympic Career

Bill Furniss, the most successful head coach in British swimming, has announced his retirement after overseeing four Olympic Games. Under his leadership, Britain won 19 medals, including a men's 4x200m freestyle relay title in Paris last month. Furniss plans to spend more time with his family.

British swimming's most successful head coach Bill Furniss announced his retirement on Friday after overseeing his fourth Olympic Games, Aquatics GB said in a statement. During his tenure, Britain clinched 19 medals, including retaining the men's 4x200m freestyle relay title in Paris last month.

Britain finished ninth in the swimming medals table in Paris, securing one gold and four silver medals. This follows their best performance in Tokyo, where they earned four golds. Furniss said, 'After nearly 50 years of involvement in this great sport, it is now the right time for me to retire and spend more time with my family.'

The all-consuming job has been a labor of love for Furniss, who expressed gratitude for working with dedicated athletes and world-class coaches. At 70, Furniss first gained prominence coaching Rebecca Adlington to two gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Games. He added, 'While the time is right for me to step away personally, it is also the right time for Aquatics GB. A new head coach will have the full Olympic cycle to build towards LA 2028.'

(With inputs from agencies.)