The Island swimming stalwart travelled as assistant team manager to the European Championships in Hungary, where he thoroughly enjoyed the venture.
AIB Tigers SC kingpin du Feu said: ‘It’s something I’m never going to forget – there were seven world records! Yes, it was an awesome experience.
‘I was part of a big group because there were 30 swimmers and 22 staff, the latter made up of media, medics, physiologists and sports scientists.
It was certainly an eye-opener, and although Britain took most of their swimmers who are ranked third and fourth while the Europeans took all their top swimmers, our team swam really well with a couple of British records.
‘I’m not very good at doing nothing, but I like being bossy! After a chat with the British team several months ago I was offered the position of assistant manager.
All I did was feed and water the swimmers and cuddle those who didn’t do so well.
‘I’ve travelled a lot with swimming over the years – I’ve been to Island Games and Commonwealth Games – so I knew what to expect.
There was a lovely atmosphere at the championships and it was a fantastic experience for me to be there.’
This week Britain’s swimming coaches have been rated among the best in the world by Michael Scott, the acting national performance director.
He said he had been impressed by the commitment, skill and dedication of British coaches.
He said: ‘Britain’s coaches are among the best in the world and they will drive the British swimming programme to new heights.
I’ve been very impressed with the passion, ability and work ethic of the athletes and the coaches since I came to Britain.
We have some great talent and it is being developed and nurtured by a team of professional and very capable coaches.
‘In terms of commitment, it’s clear that they work as hard as any other nation in the world.
Britain has done the hard yards over recent years and I am fortunate to be building on what has been achieved.’
Coaching talent is at the heart of Scott’s blueprint for building sustainable success for British swimming and will be key to ensuring that Britain has the best-prepared team at the London 2012 Olympics capable of delivering the right result.
