LONDON — British swimming's governing body has signed a $20.8 million sponsorship agreement with energy supplier British Gas that should boost preparations for the London 2012 Olympics.

British Swimming says Thursday that the six-year agreement would provide more money for all levels of the sport, including diving and water polo.

Those sports were on the list two months ago when UK Sport announced that nearly $70 million in funding had been cut for eight Olympic and four Paralympic sports because of a lack of private finance.

Britain won four swimming medals at the Beijing Games, including Rebecca Adlington's golds in the 400 and 800 freestyle.