SINGAPORE: The Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) unveiled Gary Tan as head coach of the National Training Centre (NTC) on Friday (Nov 4), effectively putting the 34-year-old in charge of the elite squad.
Two-time Olympian Tan succeeds Sergio Lopez, who left in August following the gold medal-winning campaign at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Tan had been Lopez’ assistant throughout the Spaniard’s 18-month stint with the SSA from January 2015, and was part of the team that masterminded Singapore’s record 23 gold medals at the South-east Asian Games here later the same year.
He had been endorsed as a successor by Lopez, after the Spaniard announced his departure plans.
Back in May, Lopez wrote on his Facebook page that Tan should be the next national coach.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Gary Tan from day one I arrived to Singapore and he is what Singapore swimming needs to keep the local coaches aligned to work for the ultimate gain of Singapore,” he said.
Lopez played a crucial role in grooming swim star Joseph Schooling, who went on to make history as Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medallist with his victory in the 100m butterfly in Rio.
As NTC head coach, Tan’s immediate task is to oversee the preparations of swimmers training for next year’s SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
His appointment will ensure continuity and stability for the NTC, according to SSA president Lee Kok Choy.
Said Lee: “Gary has had a tremendous learning experience assisting Sergio Lopez to start up and build SSA’s National Training Centre, which has been instrumental to Singapore’s swimming successes in 2015 and 2016. He is now ready to helm the NTC and bring the elite swimmers training here to greater heights.”
As for Tan, the promotion is a continuation of his athletic journey.
“(In my new capacity), I truly believe we will see the next Olympic medallists emerge. I am honoured with the vote of confidence from the executive committee of SSA and thankful for the support of the many talented coaches and high performance professionals I’ve had the privilege to work with in my career.”
Tan will be supported by SSA technical director Sonya Porter, to continue developing the Long Term Athlete Development Pathway, as well as other related parties on enhancing the swimming eco-system.
“It has been a steep learning curve over the past two years and I look forward to continued learning and growth as we build the coaching capabilities in SSA,” Tan said.
“There are still many areas to strengthen in the coaching structure, and I am still learning to be a better coach for our swimmers.
“I believe Singapore will see greater things to come from our national swimmers, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.”
