Bill Furniss

GB Swimming Head Coach Bill Furniss is no stranger to challenge and hard work. Bill knows what it takes to succeed with his biggest claim to fame as he led Great 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 amazing Rebecca Adlington, the British 2 x Olympic Gold Medallist and World 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 the head coach for the England team in the 1994 Commonwealth games. Following his success within his first major head coach role, he was selected for multiple other opportunities including the 1995 European Aquatics Championships, the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2016 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 the best ASA Coach Tutor in the country. In reward for his dedication to swimming coaching, Bill was awarded an OBE in the 2017 Birthday Honours for his services to swimming. He was also honoured with a special achievement award at the annual Nottinghamshire Sports award for his success in the sporting industry.

Throughout his 30-year career as a swimming coach, Bill Furniss is renowned for the skills and knowledge that he has provided to his teams. He has been able to coach multiple British teams into award-winning positions throughout international competitions. He now also shares his talent and expertise in leadership and management with audiences, speaking at a range of events up and down the country.