TRACEY MENZIES JOINS AIS SWIMMING PROGRAM
February 27: Olympic and world championship gold medal winning coach Tracey Menzies will join the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Swimming program as AIS Senior coach.
Menzies comes to the AIS as a very-well known and respected figure in swimming circles having coached the legendary Ian Thorpe to six gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Other high profile Australian swimmers to have achieved international success under Menzies include Ky Hurst, Craig Stevens, Patrick Murphy, Travis Nederpelt, Matt Welsh and Ashley Callus.
Menzies was named Swimming Australia's Open Water Coach of the Year in 2008, NSWIS Coach of the Year in 2003, ASCTA NSW Coach of the Year 2003, 2004 and 2006, ASCTA NSW Age Group Coach of the Year 2000, 2003 and 2006, ASCTA Age Group Coach of the Year 2001 and ASCTA Rookie Coach of the Year in 2000.
The former NSW Woman of the Year said she was excited by the opportunity to coach at the AIS with its world-class athletes, facilities and support.
‘The AIS is regarded throughout the world as being at the forefront of elite athlete development and the Institute's swim program is testament to that reputation,' Menzies said.
‘I'm looking forward to the opportunity of working alongside top quality AIS swim coaches in Shannon Rollason, Vince Raleigh and John Fowlie in the development of talented elite swimmers.
‘I hope my skills and experience can help them achieve future national and international success.'
AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker said the appointment of Menzies continued the Institute's tradition of employing excellence.
‘Tracey is one of Australia's greatest swim coaches whose tremendous knowledge and experience will help our group of talented swimmers reach their potential,' Professor Fricker said.
Australia's National Head Coach Alan Thompson welcomed Menzies' appointment, saying: ‘It is a great opportunity for Tracey to enhance her coaching career and she will certainly bring a new perspective to the AIS program.
‘What she achieved in her coaching career at SLC Aquadot will be the perfect springboard for her future endeavours at the AIS.
‘Tracey has some wonderful coaching achievements and I know she was just so proud of the performance of Craig Stevens when he broke the 15 minute barrier for the first time in the 1500m at the 2007 FINA World Championships.
‘Having coached Ian Thorpe through to his 2004 Olympic triumphs was a major milestone, and along with Stevens she also put Ky Hurst on the last Olympic team for the 10 kilometres. There is no doubt Tracey will be a major asset to the AIS squad.'