The Trail Winter Swim Club (TWSC) landed a big one in the swimming world, as it named Bill Park as the club’s new coach earlier this month.
Park is a veritable giant in Canadian competitive swimming, a certified International Senior Level coach and a Chartered Profession Coach of Canada who has been coaching for over 35 years. His swimmers have gone on to compete in every Olympic and Paralympic Games since 1984, most notably two-time Olympic gold medalist Alex Baumann.
“Over the last four decades I continue to coach swimmers from grassroots to the international podium on decks world wide,” said Park in a release.
Park, a London, Ont. native, coached the Sault St. Marie Aquatic Club for 23 years before taking on a new challenge in Windsor four years ago.
His extensive experience and success at the national and international level will be a definite benefit to Greater Trail swimmers.
“Coaching is life, an everyday occurrence which enables me to continue learning and teaching the skills so our athletes have the knowledge and belief there is nothing they cannot do in the pool,” said Park. “They become positive role models for other youth and productive community contributors.”
The TWSC selection board chose Park because of his personality, coaching qualifications, and past success with swimmers and clubs, said TWSC president Sharman Thomas.
“Bill and his partner Ev with their high energy level have been phenomenal almost doubling the team since starting at the beginning of September,“ added Thomas.
Park is a technical expert within the sport of swimming and his highly innovative approach helps swimmers become champions both in and out of the pool.
“This profession is fun and challenging,” added Park. “It’s great to work with such talented youth in the world swimming community and in the Home of Champions.”
Park encourages young people to not only be their best but to enjoy the sport and stay active for life. His methods and philosophy are already catching on, as swimmers from nearby centres are diving into the pool with coach Park and the TWSC.
“Swimmers from Nelson and Castlegar saw the results from the TWSC and have now joined the club because of the swimmers, team atmosphere, and level of coaching provided,” said Thomas.
Park still swims himself and is enjoying the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre and the friendly staff.