Stainton moulding next generation of swimmers
He's been coaching for the past 25 years.
For more than two decades, Mark Stainton has swapped the starting blocks for the pool deck, trading his goggles for a stopwatch.
The former swimmer, now a seasoned coach of 25 years, is shaping the future of the sport at Swift Aquatics in Rynfield to mould the next generation into fast and fearless swimmers.
Stainton joined Swift Aquatics at the beginning of the year, and eight months into the job, his hard work is bearing fruit after guiding 11 juniors to personal milestones. Two such swimmers, Cayden Nyabadza and Lily Herman, have achieved great success.
Nyabadza grabbed six medals – two gold, two silver and two bronze medals – while Herman won a bronze in the girls’ U10 100m backstroke.
“They have qualified for their level galas. As they grow up, my goal is to get them to a higher level of swimming,” said Stainton.
Stainton started swimming aged six, alongside his sister, coached by his dad. After a successful period, he quit aged 13 but went back nine months, joining a swimming club in Johannesburg, which guided him to the U16 100m and 200m breaststroke titles at the junior nationals.
He seemed destined for greatness after a successful spell as a junior, but conscription stopped him from participating in his first senior national championships when he was 18.
“I didn’t get the privilege to swim at the senior nationals. In the same year, I made the Eastern Gauteng team and the South Africa Schools water polo side. There was also a trip to Croatia, but I couldn’t go because I had to go to the army,” he said.
Stainton also had a successful stint in triathlon, clinching the junior title at the SA triathlon championships in Sun City, while his father won the gold in his category.
Afterwards, he switched his focus to swimming and has been doing so for more than 20 years.
“I’ve always had a passion for the water. It’s so satisfying, and I’ve been giving back to this sport for about 25 years,” he added.
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