What type of camera do I need to take reasonable photos across a swimming pool?

The distance that seems to be the problem as at competitions spectators are confined to the balcony...  not surprising as there can be up to two hundred plus swimmers and officials around the pool.

I've been trying to take photos from the balcony and across the pool which is at least 20 to 30 yards away.  The medal winners podium is usually on the far of the pool.  

Plus I would like to take a series of photos in quick succession to capture a swimmer in mid-air as they dive in at the start of a race.

I'm not to sure what to even ask for in a shop. If the right equipment is too expensive I'll look for something secondhand but I need guidance on what to look for.

At present I am using an Hitachi HBC 1600 Black. This seems fine for "family" type photos that is groups and fairly close up.
The swimming pools are 90% indoors. Most (80%) are 25 metre pools the rest 50 metre olympic size. France, Germany, Belgium....indoors, In the south Malta, Spain are the outdoor. I don't really have a budget at this time as I don't really know exactly what is required. I don't want to buy several cameras...the aim is to get the right one first time.

Another thought here...I do tend to video the shorter races (100,200 and 400 metre) but do have problems getting close enough in order to see arm, body and leg positions. The difference between 1st (gold) and 10th (oblivion) is measured in hundredths of a second so technic is vital.