Wood’s legacy not just in pool
AS THE twig is bent, so shall it grow.
The proverb greeted swimmers as they entered Ken Wood’s training centre on the Redcliffe Peninsula, the pool where generations of champions were made.
Wood died on Saturday, aged 88, after a short illness.
Tributes were flowing in last night for a man equal parts larrikin and taskmaster.
Quick with a joke or witty yarn, Wood also demanded plenty from his charges whose character and work ethic he shaped as much as their swimming stroke. A coach on several Olympic, Commonwealth and world championship teams, Wood was still on the pool deck until earlier this year.
His charges included Geoff Huegill, Leisel Jones and Jess Schipper, household names when swimming challenged the football codes as one of Australia’s most popular sports.
Huegill moved in with Wood and wife, Mary, when aged just 12 after his father Ron died of a heart attack.
The butterfly champion has often said he owes his life to the mentor.
“Ken was like a second father to me,” said Huegill. “I owe him so much. He made me who I am today.”
Commonwealth Games representative Bec Creedy, who continued to train with Wood after her switch to surf lifesaving, said the pair formed a strong bond.
“He was such a motivating character. He did upset some people at times but it was only because he put so much time and effort into people to become the best they could be,” Creedy said.
“He was very big on character and that your character was a big part of your ability and that’s something I’ve brought into my everyday life.”
Australian team coach Michael Bohl said he learnt plenty from Wood. And while Wood courted controversy for coaching Chinese swimmers, Bohl said they appreciated his expertise and knowledge.
“All Ken was interested in was trying to get kids swimming fast.”