Senior Coaching Gig for Matt Magee

Following successful summer campaigns for national champions Blair Evans and Reece Mainstone, their City of Perth and WAIS coach Matt Magee has been named on the Australian coaching team for the Pan Pacific Championships in California.

Magee’s appointment in the Dolphins squad could – according to WAIS Swimming Performance Manager Greg Hodge – form a vital link in the Olympic chain for the dynamic pair.

Speaking to wais.org.au Hodge said “Matt’s appointment is a well deserved boost and is a significant step going forward to London in 2012.”

Hodge describes the unique bond created by coach and athlete in a daily structured training environment as being critical to development, and said that when it is interrupted it can be hard to adapt.

“I think we found that with Blair last year when she travelled for Worlds. Not having that day to day involvement was hard for the athlete and coach as they were at arms length.”

“The first hand experience that Matt can gain, instead of relying on feedback will be invaluable.”

“It’s his first senior Australian coaching appointment and can only help Blair and Reece’s future ambitions.”

The opportunity strikes double for Magee, with the chance of securing a coaching role at October’s Commonwealth Games in India also on offer for mentors of top three ranked athletes.

“There is no experience like being on the team with your own athlete, and with Blair ranked top eight in the 200, 400 and 800m freestyle, there may be further chances following Pan Pacs,” Hodge said.

Emerging WAIS swim talents Brooke Wilson, Adelaide Hart and Brianna Throssell have all been named on junior tour teams.

City of Perth club member Brooke Wilson will compete at the Oceania Championships, whilst Applecross Swimming club member Adelaide Hart and City of Perth’s Brianna Throssell will – for a second consecutive year – compete in the Trans Tasman tour.