Swimming New Zealand has hired a pair of its former swimming greats to the staffs at its two high Performance Centres.
Joining the staff in Auckland, under head coach David Lyles, is Danyon Loader. The 38-year old Loader is a two-time former World Record holder in short course meters, a 2003 inductee into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and won two gold medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in the 200 and 400 freestyles. he was also the runner-up to Mel Stewart in the 200 fly in Barcelona in 1992.
Loader’s specialties fit well with the Auckland group, where Lauren Boyle and Matthew Stanley, the country’s premier middle-distance swimmers and both World Championship medalists, train; as does backstroker Gareth Kean.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with some talented individuals to help bring success to them and to the sport,” said Loader. “There’s a difference of perspective to someone standing poolside to that of someone who has stood at the start line. What I hope to bring is a difference of perspective.”
Meanwhile, the club in Wellington, which is led by Gary Hurring, will add Kelly Bentley to its staff. Bentley trained for Hurring during her career, which ended in retirement in 2009. Bentley is the National Record holder in the 200 breaststroke in long course meters.
Bentley, too, emphasized her competitive experience as an asset to her coaching.
“My competitive swimming experience at an international level is my greatest attribute towards this position. I learned the dedication, mental stamina and attitude it takes to be a successful swimmer and I still live by the belief that, “if you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”