The group, who have been identified as possessing the required ability to achieve podium finishes at global events in the next six years, will receive tailored and extensive support to help them achieve their potential.

British Swimming national performance director Michael Scott said: "We've identified 16 of the most talented athletes from our British Gas Talent Development Programme and are providing them with added support in their training environment as well as opportunities to access key motivational and learning experiences."

The first intake will be running until April 2012 and the continuation of the programme will be dependent on athlete performance.

Scott added: "This group is full of exciting young athletes who we see as having the potential to perform on the world stage.

"As part of the programme we're looking at providing valuable experience to the athletes and therefore they will shadow a national team camp in Edinburgh prior to next year's Olympic Games.

"We will conduct a three-day camp for the athletes and coaches where they will have the chance to observe the team training as well as mix and mingle with them."

Funding for the athletes under the programme will be £1,500 for those not based at a British Gas Intensive Training Centre (ITC) or funded club, £1,250 to those at funded clubs and £1,000 for any participating at an ITC.

The athletes will also have access to one of two elite athlete mentors appointed for the programme, who will provide personal support via e-mail and opportunities to train with them.

And competitors at this year's World Junior Championships in Peru will receive a unique experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the host city of the 2016 Olympic Games.

The group of swimmers is as follows: Tom Allen - British Gas ITC Swansea; Ieuan Lloyd - City of Cardiff; Xavier Mohammed - City of Cardiff; Jak Scott - British Gas ITC Stirling; Thomas Sunter - City of Sheffield; Josh Walsh - British Gas ITC Stirling; Sophie Allen - British Gas ITC Stockport; Eleanor Faulkner - City of Sheffield; Georgia Hohmann - Nova Centurion; Rachael Kelly - Royal Wolverhampton School; Karley Mann - Seabyrd/Hillingdon; Siobhan-Marie O'Connor - British Gas ITC Bath; Sophie Smith - City of Leicester; Jessica Thielmann - City of Newcastle; Rebecca Turner - City of Sheffield; and Aimee Willmott - Middlesbrough.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]