Rohan Taylor Masterclass: Podium Performance Through Collaboration

Australian Head Coach Rohan Taylor Inspires Kiwi Coaches Over ANZAC Weekend

Over the ANZAC weekend, a number of New Zealand's performance swim coaches were treated to knowledge and insights from Australia’s National Head Coach, Rohan Taylor, in a series of workshops supported by a Prime Minister’s Scholarship from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Rohan Taylor – who first made his mark coaching Lori Munz to Commonwealth Games gold from the Shoalhaven Academy, then Leisel Jones to Olympic gold as Head Coach of Nunawading – has been Head Coach of the Australia for six years, during which time the Dolphins won a record 21 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games. In 2023, Taylor was named Australian Institute of Sport Coach of the Year.

He was invited to Auckland by Swimming New Zealand's Olympic Head Coach, Graham Hill, who has a long-standing respect for his peer.

“It is always great to learn from one of the world’s best about the mentality and culture they foster to reach the podium.”

Taylor observed and critiqued a high-performance training session, delivered two workshops, and then led a pool session himself tutoring a dozen willing assistants.

Taylor reflected on the power of shared learning and collective ambition.

“Throughout my coaching and leadership journey, I have had the privilege of learning through connection and collaboration with high performing coaches and leaders across multiple sports and industries – experiences that have profoundly shaped my development. Creating intentional space for connection and collaboration with New Zealand Swimming leadership and the coaches who drive the sport presents a powerful opportunity for collective growth. Through this partnership, we can challenge, influence and support one another to build consistent success, aligned towards Brisbane 2032.”

While in Auckland, Rohan Taylor and Graham Hill shared their joint wisdom on two podcasts, with Mark Stafford and Mark Watson respectively. You can find the link to the Mark Stafford podcast below, with the other to come out next week.

Sport Nation Afternoons with Mark Stafford Podcast Clip

Other resources from the workshops will be available shortly to Swimming NZ financial coaches, with the launch of our new Lane4 coaching platform.