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Swimming Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Brendan Burkett as the Paralympic Head Coach.
A former Paralympic gold medalist (50m freestyle, 1996) Burkett brings with him a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise having previously been the State Coach of Queensland and Scholarship Swimming Coach at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Adding to an already impressive CV, he is currently the Director of High Performance Sport at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and a Professor of Sport Science (biomechanics).
The role’s key focus will be on guiding and leading Swimming Australia’s team of Para Coaches at the 2019 Para Swimming World Championships and the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2020, as well as providing on team leadership for athletes and staff.
Speaking on the appointment Swimming Australia’s Paralympic Campaign Manager, Adam Pine said: “Brendan has an exceptional mix of coaching, technical knowledge and sports science experience.
“His experience in various roles on swimming teams means he has a sound understanding of what is required to lead a team of athletes and coaches to success in this environment, which made him the stand-out candidate for the position.
“We very much look forward to Brendan leading the Para team as we work towards creating successful campaigns in 2019 and 2020.”
Burkett said he was very fortunate to continue to be a part of the long-standing tradition that swimming has in Australia.
“I’ve been very lucky to be part of the spirit of the green and gold as an athlete and in various staff team roles in the past 17 years.
“During this time the Australian swim team has been guided by some outstanding head coaches who have set a high standard, including Brendan Keogh and the late Jan Cameron, and I am privileged to form part of this now.
“I am very much looking forward to contributing to the team in this new role and working closely with Adam Pine as we start our journey to the World Championships and Tokyo 2020,” he added.
Burkett will continue in his current position at the University of the Sunshine Coast while undertaking his new role which begins on 1 October.
By Swimming Australia
Posted: 6/9/2018
