Another Change For Daiya Seto As He Leaves Longtime Coach Umehara

Japanese swimming superstar Daiya Seto has experienced a string of life changes recently. This includes the Olympian welcoming his second daughter into the world last month, as well as engaging in unique swim training in the form of a temporary backyard pool due to coronavirus facility closures.

Now, the 25-year-old multi-world champion has said goodbye to long-time coach Takayuki Umehara.

Seto confirmed directly to SwimSwam that he has parted with Umehara, the man who has guided him to Olympic bronze, two short course world records, and double IM gold at last year’s World Championships. Seto has been under Umehara’s tutelage since the ANA swimmer was in 5th grade.

The decision reportedly came after the announcement of the 2020 Olympic Games’ delay to next summer, with Seto not yet revealing who his next coach will be. Speculation is that Seto may train by himself leading up to the Games, but we are awaiting his confirmation.

Although it does raise some eyebrows, changing coaches just over a year out from an Olympics is not entirely unusual. Just this week several British swimmers announced moves from their longtime clubs to National Training Centres, including two-time European Short Course Champion from 2019, Freya Anderson.

Few athletes making the change have had as much success as Seto, especially as of late.