Paralympics New Zealand announces head swim performance coach

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) has secured the services of renowned Paralympic swim coach Jon Shaw as Head Swim Performance Coach through to the end of 2016 including the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Shaw, who has most recently led the University of the Sunshine Coast High Performance Paralympic Programme as Head Coach, has coached athletes to Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games.  Under his tutelage his athletes have won numerous medals in both Beijing and London.  The highlights include Rick Pendleton winning 2 gold in Beijing and 2 bronze in London; Blake Cochrane, 2 gold and Michael Anderson, 1 gold in London.  He also contributed to the programme of Ellie Cole, who successfully won 4 gold in London.

Shaw’s impressive coaching resume highlights his passion for Paralympic swimming with a focus not only on athletes but also the development and support of coaches.  Mr Shaw who has a Master of Education (Coach Education) degree is looking forward to growing the coaching talent within Paralympic swimming as part of his new role.

PNZ Chief Executive Ross Halpin is delighted to have secured Shaw through to the next Paralympic Games.

“Jon’s leadership skills and knowledge of what it takes to win gold medals at the Paralympic Games are key attributes that he will contribute over the next four years,” he said.

“With the PNZ High Performance Swim Programme under his direction I am confident that it will continue to grow and win gold medals on the world stage.”

Mr Shaw himself was equally excited by signing with PNZ.

“New Zealand Paralympic swimming is going from strength to strength and I am very excited about building on that success.  With numerous world records and personal bests set last week at the NZ Swimming Championships things are looking very promising on the road to Rio.  Our focus will continue to extend to development athletes coming through the programme and build the number of high performance para-swimmers in New Zealand,” said Shaw.

Jon Shaw will commence his role in May.