Rohan Taylor, Coaching Director of Australia’s Nunawading Swimming Club, has been announced as the new State Head Coach for Victoria and Tasmania. Taylor will be taking over the role from Leigh Nugent who has held the skill development and pathway role for the past 2 years. Taylor and Nugent, along with Gary Barclay, CEO of Nunawading, run ‘Gold Class Swimming’ together, an information coaching and athlete-oriented technique website offering knowledge-sharing and consultations.
“Rohan is highly regarded by everyone in Swimming, and has the track record, skills, vision and determination that we were looking for,” said President of Swimming Victoria Paul Malcolm.
“He will make a big difference to the development of swimmers and coaches at all levels. We’re looking forward to having him on the team, and in turn making Victoria an even stronger part of the Australian Dolphins team.”
Prior to joining Nunawading 8 years ago, Taylor spent 9 years with Carey Aquatic and prior to that was an Australian National Team coach for 17 years. His roster of previous Olympians include multiple gold medalist Leisel Jones, while Taylor most recently had a hand in Travis Mahoney, Josh Beaver and Belinda Hocking making this year’s Olympic squad.
Swimming Victoria describes Taylor’s role as State Head Coach as one that ‘creates pathways and environments for athletes and coaches to reach full potential through the engagement of one another, and expertise within and outside our sport, by identifying athletes and coaches across the state who are suited for development programs and activities.’
Taylor will maintain regular contact with specific coaches and identified athletes throughout Victoria and Tasmania through a variety of programs, training sessions, camps, competitions and workshops. Overall, Taylor’s goal is to ‘create a sense of unity’ within all of Swimming Victoria.
As for Nugent’s leaving the role in the hands of Taylor, Swimming Victoria states, “While we are welcoming Rohan, we’d also like to thank Leigh Nugent for his work and commitment in the role throughout his time as head coach. Through sharing his experience and wealth of knowledge from previous roles as Australian Youth Coach and National Head Coach, Leigh has grown and developed this generation of coaches, providing support and guidance to a number of Victorian clubs, and helping to develop programs and structures for long term athlete development.”
Congrats Rohan! Best of luck on your continued success.