AusLeisure

Griffith University has shared a profile of how Michael Bohl, the Head Coach of its High Performance Swim Squad, has guided swimming stars including Emma McKeon, Lani Pallister and Kaylee McKeown to Olympic gold medals and world records.

Focussing on McKeown’s success in 2023, including winning the women's backstroke at World Aquatics Championship, and being named the Australian Institute of Sport’s 'female able athlete of the year', Bohl explained "it has been great to see Kaylee excel in 2023, she has really worked for it.

"Three World Records in one year is an amazing achievement and hopefully Kaylee can build upon her results from this year and position herself for some great performances in Paris 2024."

Bohl, who works alongside Assistant Coach and former Olympian Janelle Pallister, said his training philosophy for his elite squad is simple: create an environment that promotes positivity and hard work, noting “there needs to be an understanding that we are creating great people first and athletes second.

"Modern coaching demands programs that are as bespoke as possible to the individuals that you have in your group, also being able to adjust training plans and respond to what is presented from day to day.

"I think the contribution that you as the coach make to long-term development too is setting the standards that the training group must live by."

Advising that these "non-negotiables" include attendance, consistency, attitude and support for teammates, as well as shared trust, Bohl stated “trust is a two-way street; coaches must trust athletes and the athletes must trust the coach.

"These things are not easily achieved, but over time, trust and relationships are galvanised through actions."

Testifying to the trust and "environment of professionalism" both Bohl and Pallister have cultivated among the Griffith swim team, McKeown advised "I wouldn't be the athlete I am today if it wasn't for the belief Bohly and Janelle have had in me.

"I truly believe in the program they have created and where they think it's possible to take me as a person and as an athlete.

"Bohly is like a dictionary filled with knowledge and being able to put all your trust into someone is huge.

"I think we all thrive off the calm and collected vibes Bohly gives; he just always seems in control, in turn creating a calm athlete trusting in the process."

In the lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, McKeown is aware of the "target on her back", but she is not prepared for that to slow her winning stroke.

She adds "something that I learnt from my previous coach is that pressure is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience, so enjoy it while you can.

"Bohly always says to me is "don't get in your own way", meaning let your training come to fruition.

"There is no magic potion that's going to make the pressure go away, but if you can remember 'your reason why' it seems to bring things back to simplicity."

Griffith University showcased its sporting excellence at last month’s Queensland state titles, with impressive performances from athletes such as Kai Taylor, Shayna Jack and Jenna Forrester, all who are balancing tertiary study with their competitive careers.

Bohl said their success to maintain both underscores the importance of the relationship between Swimming Australia (SAL) and Griffith University's Sports College, concluding “20 years ago, the vast majority of swimmers were not studying at the tertiary level.

"It is great to see SAL encouraging synergy between tertiary and sport.

"This is one of the advantages the USA has, and it is encouraging to see SAL and Griffith partnering to further enhance the competitive and academic aspirations of our student athletes into the future."

Images: Griffith University Swim Coach Michael Bohl with Kaylee McKeown (top, credit: Luke Marsden) and World Aquatics female swimmer of the year, Kaylee McKeown at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (below, credit: Delly Carr/Swimming NSW).

Related Articles

20th November 2023 - Swimming Australia and Belgravia Leisure renew water safety lessons program

15th November 2023 - Swimming NSW looks for Southern Performance Centre to drive new generation of athletes

3rd November 2023 - Swimming remains most popular activity as children return to sport

25th October 2023 - Swimming Australia welcomes new Directors

24th October 2023 - Swimming Queensland revealed as dissenting vote in national body’s constitutional reform

21st October 2023 - Vote for new constitution sees Swimming Australia avoid expulsion from World Aquatics

19th October 2023 - Swimming championships return to Gold Coast in 2024

13th October 2023 - Rackley Swimming develop and launch app enabling parents to teach children to swim

9th October 2023 - Dean Boxall named Australia’s top swimming coach for a record fourth time

27th September 2023 - Swimming Australia High Performance Director resigns to take up similar role at USA Rugby

1st September 2023 - Griffith University elite programs deliver swimming success

11th August 2023 - Swimming Australia acknowledges support team and programs contributing to Dolphins’ success

7th June 2023 - Swimming Australia and Griffith University partnership extends support beyond the pool

13th February 2017 - S.R.Smith completes SwimWall installation at Griffith University Gold Coast campus

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.