Coach’s sudden death ‘shatters’ swim club
A Hamilton swimming club are in mourning after the sudden death of head coach Ken Nixon.
Nixon died suddenly of a suspected medical event during the Epic Swim event at Lake Taupo¯ on Saturday. Australiaborn Nixon was head coach of the Fairfield Swimming Club for eight-and-a-half years, shaping and progressing numerous young swimmers to regional and national success.
Nixon was named Waikato Swimming Coach of the Year twice and a New Zealand Swimming Coach of the Year finalist on two occasions.
Club president Neil Shirreffs said its members were ‘‘shattered’’. Nixon was hugely respected among the swimming fraternity for his coaching ability and commitment to his coaching. His death left a huge gap in the club and wider swimming community.
‘‘He was dedicated and had the highest integrity. He was an Aussie battler – hard nosed, but fair. He was very passionate about his job and very passionate about the kids achieving their dreams.’’
The Fairfield Swimming Club, based at the Fairfield College pool, meant everything to the 67-year-old. Nixon trained students of all ages teaching them transferable skills they could use in their everyday life.
‘‘They are not just developing swimming skills – dedication, determination, discipline, commitment.’’
Nixon coached his students for two hours in the morning and two hours again in the evening, forming a bond with them that was family-like, he said. It was also what made him such a good swimming coach.
‘‘He didn’t overstep the boundaries. He had the highest standard of professionalism. He got the best out of the kids, sometimes it’s not about fitness but about mental attitude. He made what they thought was impossible, possible.’’
Swimming Waikato said on its Facebook page that Nixon was a ‘‘hugely influential and well respected coach in the Waikato region’’.
‘‘Ken positively influenced the lives of many swimmers, dedicating so much of his time and energy to supporting them, in and out of the water. We know that he will be leaving a legacy that will live on for many years to come in the results of those who were fortunate enough to have worked with him.’’
Swimming Waikato head coach Darren Ward said he was passionate and dedicated to his role at the club. In the last few days there had been a huge outpouring of grief and support for the club.
‘‘He was completely dedicated to the club. What I think made him such a good coach was his loyalty to his swimmers. If you gave him 100 per cent, you get it back from Ken.’’