PORT Macquarie swimmer James Magnussen seems unfazed by recent criticism by Swimming Australia over his appointment of new coaches the Falvey brothers.
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Magnussen parted ways with coach Brant Best in September before taking on the little-known Mitch and Lach Falvey, who also hail from Port Macquarie.
He was under fire last week, with Swimming Australia representatives saying they didn't support the Missile's new training environment.
But Magnussen told the Port News he wasn't too concerned.
"I am very comfortable with the decisions I have made and we are working very hard each day in pursuit of our collective goals," he said. "Myself and my support team have a very open relationship with Swimming Australia and we will continue to do so."
Magnussen had been watching the progress of the Falveys for some time before taking them on as coaches.
"I had heard very positive things in regards to Mitch and Lach as coaches, and so when I was thinking about what I felt I required and wanted to take my swimming forward, I reached out to the guys and started some conversations," he said.
"We have spent a good amount of time really getting to know each other from a swimming perspective and have found really strong beliefs and alignments and a shared vision for moving forward."
He was looking for someone to reinvigorate his program and his approach to swimming. Magnussen said he was after new ideas and new environments.
"I also really want to enjoy my training, enjoy my racing and make a really strong contribution to the Australian swim team in the coming years," he said. "The team of people you surround yourself are really important in assisting you in these areas."
The Missile said it was business as usual as his World Championships and Olympic preparations approached top gear.
"We have been working very hard for several weeks now and are laying a foundation for racing in 2015, culminating in the World Championships in Russia," he said. "Things are on track and progressing really well."
He said the detractors had been far from his mind in recent weeks.
"I am looking forward to making as strong a contribution to the Australian swimming team as I can moving forward and if there are doubters out there I won't be getting distracted by them," Magnussen said.
