Martin all geared to stamp his mark
CHRIS Martin is a famous name in the music industry as he is the lead singer of rock band Coldplay.
However, there is another Chris Martin who is equally famous. American-born Martin is a big name in the international swimming fraternity.
Martin is now the national head coach and with his experience, he hopes to help Malaysia reach greater heights.
He has an impressive resume — he worked as director of swimming and head coach for national associations in Great Britain, Scotland and China.
His former proteges have set national records and competed at the Olympics for their respective countries.
It was a different feeling for Martin when he stepped into the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil for his first day of work yesterday.
Martin first came here in 1998 for the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games as the coach of the England team.
“That was my first time here. I remember what a beautiful sight it was to see the sunrise and sunset when my team was training and competing then.
“After the games, I stayed back for two weeks to visit other parts of Malaysia and also Thailand,” said Martin, who has over 30 years of coaching experience.
Martin, a former coach of American breaststroker Nelson Diebel who two gold medals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, hopes to improve the standards of Malaysian swimmers.
“I was not a very good swimmer, but I have experience coaching at every level. I have trained national record holders in the countries I worked in.
“I want to help all levels of the swimming community and help them win medals.
“I also want to have an effect on grassroots development so that everyone is on the pathway to get to the top.
“The world is getting competitive and in Asia, the swimmers tend to be successful in the longer distance events where more training is required,” he added.
Polish coach Bart Kizierowski was earlier slated to replace Australia-born Paul Birmingham, who left after the Indonesia Asian Games in August.
However, Kizierowski turned down the offer.