JERSEY should invest in better swimming pools and sports facilities to help the next generation of athletes, according to the politician in charge of sport.
Senator Serena Kersten says Filip Nowacki’s Commonwealth Games gold medal could inspire thousands more young people to take up swimming.
Senator Kersten, who is also a Commonwealth Games champion after winning netball gold while representing England in 2018, said the Island’s swimming facilities need improving.
“There isn’t currently a 50-metre pool, for example, which is what someone like a Filip would need to be able to train properly if he was over here,” she said.
Filip Nowacki, who is 18 years old, became Jersey’s first Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 36 years after winning the 200m breaststroke in Glasgow last month.
The Senator also wants Jersey to improve its sports facilities before a possible bid to host the 2035 Island Games.
She said better venues would help both local communities and athletes returning to the Island to train.
Senator Kersten suggested the government should consider working with private companies to help pay for new facilities and even look at whether old glasshouse sites could be turned into sports centres.
Her comments came after Filip’s former coach, Nathan Jegou, warned that Jersey’s ageing sports facilities could stop future stars from reaching their full potential.
“We are in danger of missing out on many other athletes like Filip,” he said.
Senator Kersten believes Filip’s success could encourage many more children to get involved in swimming and other sports.
“Filip has just probably gone on and inspired another few thousand kids to go and get in the pool,” she said.
The politician said good coaching and modern facilities give young people more chances to succeed, stay healthy and enjoy being active.
She hopes that, with the right investment, Jersey could produce many more champions in the years to come.
