North Shore Swimming Club has the privilege of being led by ex-South African Head Coach, and Fina Coaches Committee Chairman, Graham Hill, as of August, 2023.
Graham has quite the CV when it comes to aquatic sports, and his passion for the sport of swimming is second to none (but Rafael is a close silver medalist).
Graham has been coaching competitive swimming since 1987 (a good year for us Kiwi's lifting the Rugby World Cup) and has coached from learn to swim level, to Olympic champions, and everything in between. He has coached swimmers onto 5 Olympic teams (2000-2021), and his athletes won a total of 6 medals (2 gold and 4 silvers), whilst also heading the South African National team for 12 years from 2011 up until this year.
For those of you that have been a fan of swimming for some time, I am sure you remember how Michael Phelps was nabbed at the finish line of the 200m Butterfly in London 2012? The green cap of South African, Chad Le Clos touched the wall first for one of the biggest upsets in world swimming. Who coached Chad? You guessed it, our new helmsman Mr. Graham Hill.
Graham has a great eye for detail, and is an expert at getting athletes to work hard.
He creates a bond with the swimmers, that fuels them to work, for themselves, the coach, and each other. He makes the somewhat 'lonely' sport of swimming, feel team based, as with competitive training, generally comes great results.
The North Shore Team would once again like to welcome Graham, and thank him for joining us. We cannot wait for what the future holds.
Quickfire Q's
What's your favourite stroke? Medley
What's your favourite food? Braai
What is your favourite swimming memory? Watching Chad win the 100m Butterfly at the World Champs in Kazan
Your quote? "Help me to help you!"
