Bill Sweetenham

Superior in skill, invincible in attitude

Bill Sweetenham has served as Head Coach of national swimming teams at 5 Olympic Games for 3 different countries, and has coached swimmers to success at 9 World Championships and 8 Commonwealth Games.

Under Bill's management as National Performance Director of British Swimming, Britain's swimmers won 18 World Championship titles, broke more than 200 domestic records and produced their best ever Commonwealth Games, World Championships and Olympic Games results.

Bill is internationally recognised for his strategic planning capabilities in high performance sport.

Testimonials

"I would like to thank you personally for the talks we have had over the many years that we have been friends in both the early days as a swimmer, thru my AIS days and early coaching years in WA, especially to the last 12 months leading into and post Olympics. You have always challenged me to think outside the box and made me think about solutions to problems - i appreciate that greatly." ...... Matthew Brown (Australian Olympic Coach of Olympic Gold and Silver medalists, London 2012)

"It is always good to spend time with you. You have the best swimming mind out there." ...... Eddie Reese (US Olympic Coach)

"Bill, thank you so much for your contribution. Michael and I will treasure your kind words. Let me take a moment to thank you for all the inspiration and guidance over the years. You have certainly been a role model for me and, in my opinion, you have done more creative and productive thinking about the coaching profession than any other. Seldom in our sport do we get someone with the intellect, the enthusiasm and the personality that you possess" ...... Bob Bowman, USA (coach of Michael Phelps)

"Bill, thanks for ringing. You have been such a massive influence on my coaching, something I will never forget and for which I will be eternally grateful" ...... Jon Rudd, GB (coach of 100m Breaststroke Olympic Gold Medalist)

"Part of my improvement as a coach is your constant support, whatever type of support it is, and the inspiration that you give me as a role model. This medal is also yours, you've been such an inspiration and role model, thanks for sharing so much" ...... Fred Vergnoux, Spain/France (coach of Mirea Belmonte, 200m Butterfly and 800m Freestyle Olympic Silver Medalist)

"Thanks for the kind words, they always mean so much from you. You know you had such an impact into the coach and person I am today. All the very best and thanks for everything" ...... Dave McNulty, GB (coach of Olympic Silver Medalist Mens 200m Breaststroke)

"It was good to hear you talk again at the ASCA Clinic in Las Vegas. Since I heard you talk the first time in Spain a while back I have been following many of your thoughts and ideas with my swimmers and they have helped my swimmers and me tremendously. Thank you for the great passion and knowledge that you are sharing with all of us." ...... Sergio Lopez (Olympic Gold Medalist who now coaches at Bolles School in the USA)

"The biggest turning point was when we got Bill Sweetenham. He changed the attitude, the professionalism, the way people trained, the way the coaches worked. It took a good couple of years to have an effect. The mindset is much more professional – it’s now built in and everyone buys into it. He was tough and he was eccentric but sport is tough. He was a great leader. We are still benefiting from his work now" ...... David Davies (dual British Olympic medalist in pool and open water swimming)

"Bill, your international experience is extensive and I believe it has created your vision for success that characterizes you. Your knowledge is great and your communication skills are excellent. Your contribution to swimming in Australia has been greatly appreciated over the years. Personally, I have benefited from your influence and by association my swimmers over the years have also been the beneficiaries of this wisdom and your input into our programme. Bill, you are always seeking a better way of doing things and this is why I think you continue to develop into a leader in the sport of swimming." ...... Michael Bohl (ex Olympic-swimmer coached by Bill and present Australian Olympic team coach)