Director of Coaching/Head Coach

Martin Harris

Martin joins Wharenui Swimming Club as Director of Coaching/Head Coach after retiring from a successful swimming career abroad. Born in London, Martin swam internationally for Great Britain for 15 years. He moved to NZ in 2004 and joined Wharenui at the beginning of 2005. Martins specialty events are 50m, 100m & 200m backstroke. He has swum at 2 Olympics, 5 World Champs (short & long course), 4 Europeans and 3 Commonwealths, winning Commonwealth Gold in the 100m backstroke in 1994. His last major meet for GB before officially retiring was the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, at the age of 33, where he made two finals and was the fastest backstroker over 50m in Britain. Martin broke over 50 British Records during his career, with his longest standing records being the 50m & 100m backstroke which he held for 12 years.

After retiring from competitive sport, Martin was appointed Head Coach at a well known London Swimming Club, still keeping a hand in masters competition himself. He has also trained and prepared a number of triathletes for world class competition. Martin is UK ASA qualified and brings with him to our club a wealth of first hand knowledge including skill & technique, land training application, mental preparation and nutritional education.

Assistant Coach

Sarah Northcott

Sarah swam from an early age at Wharenui, moving up to competitive swimming, her specialist strokes being freestyle and breaststroke.

With her dedication and passion for the sport it was a natural progression for her to establish a career in coaching. Sarah started as a Learn to Swim teacher, progressing to Technique Coach then Squad Coach.

She has recently been promoted to Assistant Coach, a challenge she enjoys, passing on to her swimmers, the knowledge and the rewards of hard work, in the sport she loves.

Technique Coaches

Tatiana

Tatiana has 12 years experience as a competitive swimmer in Russia.

She graduated from the Siberian State Academy of Physical Training and her Diploma is recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Tatiana has trained professional sportspeople to a high level in international competitions.

She has lived with her family, in New Zealand for 5 years and has been coaching at all levels here at Wharenui, during that time.

Jacob

Jacob is currently studying for a Bachelor of Sports at Canterbury University.

He was a competitive swimmer till aged 14 at which point he turned his interest to Surf Life Saving, competing at a National level. Within swimming, his favourite stroke is breast stroke which he would race over 100m.

Jacob's aim is to provide young athletes with training that is enjoyable, helps you progress through the higher levels and work towards your own specific goals as you learn more about the sport.