MOUNT Kelly College have appointed Emma Collings-Barnes as their new director of swimming following a global search.

Collings-Barnes, who has medalled at international level, started her coaching career in 2002.

Beginning at Loughborough, she went on to coach at Millfield School and in 2010 was appointed head coach at Rushmoor Royals Swimming Club.

In 2012, Collings-Barnes joined the coaching team at Mount Kelly and has been working as the assistant director of swimming.

Mark Semmence, headmaster and principal of the school foundation, said: “Emma was the stand-out candidate from a very strong field of applicants from all over the world.

“The fact that Emma is one of only three swimming coaches to be selected for the prestigious ‘UK Women into High Performance Coaching Programme’ is a great endorsement of her coaching ability.

“The swim programme at Mount Kelly is stronger than it has ever been, with our swimmers enjoying unprecedented success.  These are exciting times for Mount Kelly swimming, and I am delighted to have Emma at the helm.”

Collings-Barnes said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to be appointed director of swimming at Mount Kelly. I look forward to shaping the programme for 2018 and beyond with the assistance of the coaching and support team.

“Mount Kelly provides an unparalleled environment for our swimmers allowing them to excel as athletes in the pool whilst achieving their academic potential in the classroom.”

Mount Kelly’s 144-strong squad currently includes European Junior Championship qualifiers, Federico Burdisso and Kaylee Dekker (Burdisso has also qualified for the European Senior Championships); Isle of Man Commonwealth Games swimmer Niamh Robinson; GB youth international athletes Sam Dailley, age group record holder (13, 14 and 15 years) Oliver Taverner and Nepal’s Gaurika Singh, who was one of the youngest swimmers at the Rio Olympics.

In para-swimming, Lily MacLeod is an S13 British record holder and world class podium member and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Mount Kelly’s past Paralympians, including Claire Cashmore, Lauren Steadman and David Hill.