Sirens ASC have engaged the services of a foreign coach after reaching agreement with Craig Gibbons (picture, right), a British 2012 Olympian, to head their swimming section.

“During the recent Klikk National Championships, Sirens ASC was delighted to finish top of the medal table with 134 honours awarded to its swimmers,” the club said in a statement.

“Medals alone are not enough and we are now extremely pleased to announce the appointment of a new head coach to take Sirens ASC to the next level.

“Gibbons will be seen on deck later this month. He will be putting the swimmers through their paces, assessing technical ability and, if necessary, reorganising existing squads to ensure the best possible outcome for the 2016/17 season.

“He will be working closely with coaches and teachers and, ultimately, meeting parents to make certain that the whole club works together towards a successful future.”

Gibbons, 30, has been coaching with Hamilton Aquatics in Dubai where, besides regular sessions, he organised specific stroke clinics to ensure that technical prowess matches speed.

“After attending the National Championships to observe his new swimmers, Gibbons said he felt Malta was somewhat of a ‘sleeping giant,’ but equally capable of producing ‘exceptionally talented athletes who can challenge on a world stage,” Sirens said.

Marian Bugeja, from the Sirens swimming nursery, said: “We are thrilled to be able to welcome Craig to the Sirens family.

“As well as his Olympic success, Craig has numerous World and European Championship swims under his belt and this high-level competitive experience will undoubtedly benefit our athletes at all ages.”