Melanie Marshall made history today at the British Swimming Coaches Association’s presentation of the Coach of the Year award, taking the prize for the second consecutive year. Last year, Marshall became the first woman to earn the award, and further cements her status as one of the best coaches in the United Kingdom and the world.
Marshall’s most famous charge is Adam Peaty, who won the 50 and 100 breaststroke gold medals at the world championships. Peaty shocked the world with a 57.92 world record in the 100 breast last April at the British nationals, and continued his success all the way to Russia. In addition to gold medals in the breaststroke events, Peaty was a major part of Great Britain’s victory and world record in the mixed 400 medley relay.
Marshall and Peaty have been working together for about six years, and Marshall quickly transformed Peaty from junior-level contender in 2013 to world record holder in 2014. Marshall is one of the few elite world-class swimmers to become as talented as a coach. She was an Olympian for Great Britain in 2004 and 2008, winning multiple medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Jol Finck, who coached James Guy to gold in the 200 free at the world championships, received the Coaching Award of Excellence for his work in a very good year for British swimming. Guy was one of the four who helped Great Britain win the 800 free relay for the first time at a world championships.
Photo Courtesy: Jol Finck/Twitter
Two other coaches were given the Coaching Award of Excellence for guiding three athletes to individual medals at the world championships. Dave McNulty, the coach behind Jaz Carlin’s and Siobhan-Marie O’Connor’s performances, was honored. Ben Higson was awarded for bringing Ross Murdoch back from illness to a spot on the world championship team and a bronze medal in the 100 breast, as well as getting Robbie Renwick a gold medal in the 800 free relay final.
Steve Tigg and Elaine Johnstone, the coaches who worked with the fast-rising Duncan Scott on his way to a place in the 800 free relay final, also received coaching excellence awards. Russ Barber, who guided Nicholas Grainger to a spot in the 800 free relay prelims, earned a coaching excellence award as well.
The Youth Coach of the Year award was shared by Sean Balmer and Nathan Hilton. Balmer coaches Luke Greenbank, who set a junior world record in the 200 back at the European Games. Hilton works with Rosie Rudin, the reigning junior world champion in the 400 IM.