Derya Buyukuncu has been hired as a new sprint coach at the Mission Viejo Nadadores, according to associate head coach Mark Schubert. Buyukuncu will work primarily with the sprint group but will assist with the coaching of all senior athletes.
Buyukuncu swam in six Olympics for Turkey and won bronze medals at both the World Short Course and European championships in the 100 back in 2000.
“I think this really gives our program a new dimension,” Schubert said. “I’m excited to have someone who’s had a world-class career as a backstroker and sprinter to work with our sprinters. It just gives us a whole new aspect, which we’re excited about.”
Schubert is currently working under Bill Rose at Mission Viejo and will take over as the permanent head coach when Rose retires at the end of 2017. Schubert was previously the head coach at Mission Viejo during the 1970s and 1980s.
Buyukuncu swam at Olympics in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012, and he and Sweden’s Lars Frolander are the only men to compete in six different Olympics. Buyukuncu also swam for the University of Michigan from 1994 until 1998, breaking conference records in both backstroke events and twice being named Big Ten swimmer of the year.
Photo Courtesy: Derya Buyukuncu
“I am very excited to work with the Nadadores and be a part of their successful tradition,” Buyukuncu said. It’s an honor to work with legendary coaches Mark Schubert and Bill Rose. I’m looking forward to using my experience and help out our swimmers to achieve better results and make the Nadadores a powerhouse in the nation.”
Buyukuncu continues to hold the long course Turkish records in both Olympic backstroke events (from 2008) at 55.05 (100 back) and 1:58.82 (200 back). He has also appeared on popular television shows “Dancing with the Stars” and “Survivor.”