Haileybury Waterlions freestyle dynamo Kelly Stubbins and coach Wayne Lawes, who hails from Narre Warren North, rejoice in her ascension to her second national team for next year’s World Short Course Swimming Championships in Manchester. – Marc McGowan
AFTER helping guide star pupil Kelly Stubbins onto her second Australian team, champion Narre Warren North swimming coach Wayne Lawes received some recognition of his own last week.
Lawes, 51, was selected to be on the national coaching staff for next year’s World Short Course Swimming Championships in Manchester.
It will be the Haileybury Waterlions’ mentor’s fourth trip as part of the Australian team and second time at the World Short Course Championships.
Lawes is one of just two Victorian coaches who made the squad, alongside Carey Aquatic’s Rohan Taylor.
“The first priority was to get Kel on and if you get on as a coach it is a plus,” he said.
“To represent your country is a fantastic honour and I’ll enjoy every bit of it.”
Lawes will be responsible for a small group of swimmers while overseas and will be in regular contact with their ‘home’ coaches to maximise their results.
“The Australian swim team is one of the most professional organisations in sport and is light years ahead of a lot of other sports in professionalism,” he said.
“There is support staff, nutritionists, sport scientists, masseurs and doctors, and it is amazing to be a part of that.”
