We previously reported how former British National Training Center Coach, James Gibson, moved into a new role as Head Coach of Energy Standard, but now the Belek, Turkey-based club has acquired perhaps its most high-profile athlete. South African Olympic medalist Chad Le Clos announced today that he would be joining the Energy Standard squad.
On his website, Le Clos states, “I’m pleased to announce that I have joined Energy Standard Club. The club aims to be the number one swimming club in the world, and I share the values that the club is based on and look forward to representing them.”
Training at Gloria Sports Arena, considered to be one of the best training centers in Europe, Energy Standard represents a unique collaboration of athletes and coaches from Russia and Ukraine. Conceived in 2012, the club is financed by well-known Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist Konstantin Grigorishin, with Andrea di Nino serving as Chief Consultant. According to its website, the main objective of Energy Standards is to ‘support and develop talented, young swimmers who dream of Olympic gold.’
Two of the club’s most notable athletes are Evgeny Rylov and Mykhailo Romanchuk of Russia and Ukraine, respectively. Rylov scored a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games, earning a new European Record in the process. Romanchuk earned two bronze medals at the 2016 European Championships in London this past Summer, touching in 3rd in both the 800m and 1500m freestyle events.
Of Le Clos joining the team, Gibson says, “We are extremely happy to welcome Chad into our team and to be supporting him on his journey to Tokyo.”
Di Nino, Chairman of Energy Standard Club, states “Chad is a not only a great athlete, but a great mentor and role model. His work ethic and attitude will help to inspire the younger generations in the team. We are very happy with to have him join Energy Standard.”
The news follows Le Clos’ announcement earlier this month revealing his new coaching staff of di Nino and Australian Bobby Hurley as he heads toward Tokyo 2020.
Although it won’t be the same with Phelps out of it, I will be very excited to see the times Cseh, Le Clos, and Schooling post in the Flys this year.
Lol I was going to post that I thought Gibson would go to SA to coach at Le Clos ‘s new set up . But I thought ‘I’m just guessing ‘ & really know nothing . Somehow I just thought it.
Beside that , Turkey is the great unknown in the world just now.From dreams of a new Ottoman Empire ( of influence at the very least ) to being the closest to Russia gaining Constantinople ( influence at the very least ) in 1000 years .
Turkey is probably not the place I would base myself but these guys can always swim out .
Will Gibson actually coach Chad?
He built his reputation on claiming to coach Manaudou, yet Barnier never makes any mention of this?