Research deep dive is optimising elite swimming performance at Stirling

Delivered as part of an exciting partnership between the University and Aquatics GB, sports researchers will work with Stirling’s elite swimmers and their coaches to optimise performance – in turn, bolstering medal hopes on the world stage.

The four-year study is led by former competitive swimmer Adham Sanoufi, who is now embedded at the National Swimming Academy at Stirling – the training base of some of the UK’s top swim talent, including Olympic champions Duncan Scott, Tom Dean, Jack McMillan and Freya Anderson.

Working alongside Aquatics GB research and innovation leads, Adham will deliver real-time, data-driven insights at poolside – identifying potential performance-enhancing gains; incredibly important in a sport where medals are frequently won by the slimmest of margins.

As part of his PhD, Adham will analyse technique, timing, and trends, enabled by SwimTrack technology – a bespoke, 10-camera swimming analysis system developed by Aquatics GB, the UK Sports Institute and Sheffield Hallam University. This applied work is complemented by parallel research focused on identifying which data sets best predict performance, and he also aims to create an innovative online platform for swimmers and coaches, to support training and performance.

Adham, who is originally from Syria and went to school in Kuwait, is a Physiology and Sport Science graduate, who also has a postgraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine. He said: “I’m creating a machine learning predictive model to identify which data sets are the strongest predictors of performance – and the goal is to develop a coach-assistance tool that can project performance or flag issues. Ultimately, I want to integrate data from strength and conditioning, physiology, wellness, and training load into one model that helps coaches make better decisions.”

Adham is proud to be working with Olympic and World champions at Stirling. “Our shared experience of sport meant we settled quickly into a professional rhythm based on mutual respect. They’ve been great to work with – really engaged and proactive. It’s a great environment – very collaborative and supportive.”

Adham’s insights have been welcomed by High-Performance Swim Coach Brad Hay, who said: “The impact so far has been great. Adham’s looking at patterns, trends, timings and using the camera system and computing tools for a deeper dive than we’ve ever had before.

“From there, it’s our job to decide how those insights can steer improvements – whether mechanical, timing-related, or technical aspects like the underwater phase of the kick, for example.

“Adham keeps bringing new ideas, which is fantastic. Over the course of his PhD, we expect this to become more refined, so we can individualise approaches and identify patterns to help younger athletes on their journey to elite level.”

The project also aims to manage the increasing volume of performance data in elite sport. “One challenge is finding the nuggets that really matter,” added Brad. “It’s like sifting for gold. Adham’s work helps us identify what’s most useful, so that we can add it to our coaching arsenal.”

The new research comes as University of Stirling swimmers enter an exciting year – with a home Commonwealth Games on the horizon, and with preparations for the Olympics 2028 ramping up.

Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director of Sport at the University, said: “Here at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we are always innovating and looking for new ways to give our athletes the best chance to compete and succeed on the international stage. In collaboration with Aquatics GB, we are proud to launch this new research project and are delighted to have Adham on board as our swimmers set their sights on Glasgow 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.”

Professor Paul Dimeo, Head of Sport in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at the University, said: “This project highlights our strategic ambition to work with partners on world-leading applied research projects. I’m delighted that Adham is making such amazing progress, and that our partners are gaining new insights into the factors underpinning competitive performance success.”

Olly Logan, Head of Research and Innovation at Aquatics GB, said: “The placement of Adham as a sport-embedded PhD student at the University of Stirling showcases yet another strong example of the collaboration that exists between Stirling and Aquatics GB in our shared ambition to improve upon the existing success that has come from the centre.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Cathy Gallagher and Professor Paul Dimeo for their keen interest in driving forward the match-funded research agreement and the continued conversations to further broaden our partnership.

“We hope to use this research, around the areas of biomechanics and data science, to help with our support for the high-performance programme to improve performances, whilst also developing research that has application across the wider Aquatics GB World Class Programme.”

Adham is supported by his PhD supervisors Dr Lewis Macgregor, a Lecturer in Physiology and Nutrition who has previously worked with elite athletes, and artificial intelligence expert Professor Kevin Swingler, Head of Computing Science and Mathematics at the University.

[Article images courtesy of University of Stirling/Jeff Holmes]