A little bit of information you might not have known about Paul Hurley!
Paul joined us in his current position in 2006 as our Intermediate Squad coach at Mallinson Sports Centre, Highgate.
A little about coaching?
I have been coaching for a number of years. I started teaching swimming at my old club, Haggerston, when I was 15. I occasionally helped out with the coaching, but the then Head Coach (Mark Allen) said that I wasn’t allowed to mess up his swimmers!!
After university (2001) I joined Camden and worked alongside the same Mark Allen (this time messing up his swimmers!). I went on to help coach a number of the current Intermediate and Top Squad swimmers at then development level. I completed my Club Coaches qualification in August 2003. I then continued coaching and teaching at Camden until I went on my travels in early 2005.
Having returned to the UK, I worked with a former coach of Camden, Ian Brown, at Chelsea and Kensington Swimming Club. This was great experience in seeing how a smaller development club worked and I learnt a lot about smaller club management. While at Chelsea there was the opportunity to return to Camden and to coach one of the main competitive squads.
Working with Swimmers…
When I was swimming I worked alongside one of the best swimmers that I have ever seen, Robert Whan. He was an outstanding natural swimmer but his mental attitude and composure rubbed off on us all. I can say having a role model such as Rob made my swimming path easier. I also had the pleasure of seeing Martin Harris train most mornings this was great to be in the same water as an Olympic swimmer.
Working recently with the current Top Squad has also been enjoyable. I have seen a number of swimmers that have developed both in their swimming and mental attitude since being with the club. These swimmers are setting a high standard that hopefully the current Intermediate Squads will use them for role models.
My current squad consists of a number of extremely gifted athletes. I have enjoyed working with all the swimmers. When looking at coaching I think that it’s important to consider the longevity of the swimmers career. While I would fantastic for swimmers in the Intermediate Squad to achieve great success it’s important that they stay within the sport. That said I think that they should all show a high level of commitment.
Other bits about you…
I currently teach full time in a local Secondary school (ICT and Geography), this has helped motivate me with my coaching. Outside of teaching I enjoy socializing (some of you may have heard a few rumors!). I have also taken up photography, although not very good at the moment, I hope to improve.
How do you think GB will fair at the 2012 Olympics?
British swimming has developed a lot within the last decade. I think Beijing will be a good platform for a number of the GB swimmers in preparation for London. If we can get on the medal table and have a number of swimmers making the finals then 2012 is the opportunity to get the results which people want. With the British off-shore centre in Queensland appearing to be working wonders, hopefully those that are currently there will be in their prime for London,
Who knows, we may see a familiar face on the blocks wearing the national hat instead of their standard green one.
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