Wrap – SwimCon 2024 (Swim Coaches & Teachers Australia Conference)
Tracy Breuer (Kiwi West Aquatics) recently attended SwimCon 2024, the Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia Conference for 2024 held in Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Breuer received the SCTNZ Rookie Coach of the Year Award in 2023 thanks to a nomination by her club, with the award sponsored by SCTA to include a ticket to the 2024 SwimCon to assist with her continual development as a young coach.
Prior to the three-day conference getting started, Breuer was excited and grateful for the opportunity.
“I see this as an invaluable experience to learn from other coaches, learn what they do and how they do it. To be able to learn and broaden my knowledge alongside networking with other coaches and people in the industry is a great opportunity.”
The conference was held at the Events Centre in Caloundra, creating an energising atmosphere for innovation in swim education. The lecture theatre hosted powerful keynote speeches and presentations, whilst the two large halls parallel provided presentations tailored to coaching and learn to swim streams respectively. The main hall also had stalls where exhibitors showcased the latest in swim technology, training tools and resources, which also provided the ideal place to connect and network with fellow coaches and swim teachers. In addition, hands on sessions were held at the nearby Caloundra Aquatic Centre, where in pool demonstrations and dry-land practices brought concepts to life.
Key Presentations
Breuer has shared some of the top names who presented at the conference with a brief overview:
Michael Crossland
Delivered an inspirational keynote on resilience, focusing on overcoming life’s challenges and using setbacks to fuel success, which resonated with the swim community's commitment to endurance and motivation.
Elaine Jobson
Emphasized the role of safety through strong leadership within the aquatic industry. Her insights addressed the importance of building and maintaining safe environments for athletes and clients alike.
Adam Sellars
Presented "The Pressure Project," which explored mental strategies for handling stress and performance pressure, a crucial area for athletes and coaches striving to balance mental health and high performance.
Rohan Taylor
The Head Coach of the Australian Dolphins Olympic Programme shared insights on elite coaching techniques and preparation strategies, particularly as athletes gear up for international competitions like the Olympic Games.
Janelle Pallister
Focused on high-performance coaching methods, bringing in her experience to discuss training regimes, competitive strategies, and athlete development within the context of age group swimming.
Toby Altree and Edana Keijdener (Imprimis Performance)
Led practical sessions on strength and conditioning, tailored for junior athletes, emphasizing how specific conditioning can prevent injuries and enhance performance across aquatic sports.
Herbie Behm
Conducted a session on sprint swimming, sharing insights from his coaching experience at Arizona State University to refine technique, power, and speed in short-distance races.
Ali Disher
Presented on body empowerment and strategies for supporting healthy body image among swimmers, encouraging coaches to cultivate an environment that promotes confidence and self-acceptance.
Wayne Goldsmith
Known for his innovative approach, discussed "10 Second Leadership," which emphasized quick, impactful decision-making skills for coaches to lead effectively under pressure.
Day Wraps
Breuer has also shared a quick overview of activities for each day.
The first day began with a welcome function, setting the stage for an event filled with insightful keynotes and presentations. This first day emphasised discussions on the latest trends in coaching methodologies and swimmer development, providing an overview of both emerging research and technology in the swim industry. The day concluded with a social welcome dinner, which was a great way to meet people and network.
The second day focused on practical, skill-based workshops. Sessions held at the Caloundra Aquatic Centre allowed attendees to experience live pool demonstrations and dryland training techniques. The day concluded with the SWIM Awards, where industry achievements were celebrated, giving coaches, teachers, and swim schools a chance to recognise standout contributions in Australian swimming.
The final day wrapped up the conference with advanced coaching workshops and presentations tailored to the specific needs of competitive coaches or swim school instructors. The final day highlighted new strategies for athlete development and community engagement in aquatic sports, equipping attendees with knowledge to bring back to their respective programs
Key Takeaways
Breuer felt there were a few key takeaways from the conference.
Providing Enjoyable Environments for Swimmers
Breuer got a first-hand look at how competitive coaching is evolving to elevate athlete performance while keeping training enjoyable for swimmers. A central theme was customizing training to each athlete's unique strengths, with a strong emphasis on integrating high-performance techniques in a way that keeps sessions engaging for swimmers. Presenters highlighted the importance of building a positive, enjoyable environment to maintain high standards without overwhelming the athletes, ensuring they remain motivated and eager to improve.
Real-Time Analysis
One of the most valuable takeaways was the focus on performance analytics and data-driven methods to refine training plans in real-time. Discussions explored tools and techniques to balance rigorous training with flexibility, emphasising strategies to foster resilience and a mindset of confidence and focus - essential in competitive settings. These sessions underscored that a solid foundation in technique, combined with strong mental preparedness, helps athletes excel on both national and international stages.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the conference, Breuer was looking forward to getting back to her club environment to help her swimmers experience in the sport.
“Leaving the conference, I felt a renewed commitment to fostering both skill and a love of swimming in our athletes, balancing the joy of the sport with the pursuit of excellence every step of the way.”
Overall, Breuer found the conference to really beneficial to her continued growth as a coach.
“SwimCon 2024 was an incredible experience. Learning from such a diverse group of experts was inspiring and invaluable. Each session added a new layer to my understanding, giving me tools and insights that will fuel my continued growth and passion as a coach. Thanks to my club Kiwi West Aquatics and SCTA for helping me be there in person.”
Thanks to Tracy Breuer for sharing her experiences from the conference. We look forward to seeing Kiwi coaches take the opportunity to continue their development at the 2025 conference.
The dates have been set for the next SwimCon for 19 - 21 September 2025 in Adelaide.
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