At the 2014 Commonwealth Games the Australians dominated the competition in the pool win 19 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze for a total of 57 medals. The next closest nation was England who collected 28 medals with 10 gold.
The Aussies don’t plan on that changing any time soon and to make sure of it they have hired Glenn Beringen and Brendan Keogh to take the role of the Gold Coast GOLD coaches. The two will be responsible for ensuring that the veterans on the team have the necessary support to have continued success and more importantly they will be in charge of fast tracking the country’s youth swimmers towards success at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Swimming Australia has partnered with Australian Commonwealth Games Association’s (ACGA) in developing the ‘Gold Coast GOLD Program’ for swimming which is focused on preparing athletes and coaches for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Beringen won the silver medal at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in the 200 breaststroke and then went on to earn the same medal in the same event at the 1984 Olympics. He began his coaching career soon after retiring from the sport, eventually coaching both Petria Thomas and Sarah Ryan to Olympic gold medal winning performances.
“Glenn has an in depth knowledge of swimming in Australia and having been an Olympic medallist in 1984 and Commonwealth medallist at the 1982 Games in Queensland he has first-hand experience with the sport, ” said Swimming Australia Performance Director Michael Scott.
“Having coached at the highest level in Australia delivering multiple Olympic Gold, World Championship and Commonwealth Games medals, we believe Glenn has the necessary skills to work with our current and emerging coaches and athletes to maximise performances in 2018.”
Keogh led the Paralympic Swim Team for a decade between 2002 and 2012. He guided the team to its greatest success at the 2012 Paralympics in London where they earned 18 gold, seven silver and 12 bronze. Keogh retired after the 2012 games to take over the role of manager and coach at the Genesis Christian College.
Swimming Australia Paralympic Performance Manager Adam Pine said Brendan’s track record as a Paralympic Coach was exceptional.
“Brendan’s skills and expertise as a Paralympic coach are second to none. His commitment to the sport and ability to support coaches and athletes with high performance planning and leadership is superb.”
“He also has the necessary skills, knowledge and relationships to guide and support athletes and coaches towards podium performances in 2018,” Pine said.
ACGA Chief Executive Officer, Perry Crosswhite, said, “We are pleased to fund the employment of Glenn and Brendan through the ACGA’s Gold Coast GOLD 2018 Team Preparation program.”
“This will ensure that our swimmers continue to keep the 2018 Commonwealth Games firmly in their sights aiming for success in front of their family and friends at home.”
Swimming Australia recognises the importance of the Commonwealth Games as vital to the Australian psyche and our partnership and support from the ACGA is crucial to our success in 2018 and beyond.