Swimming coach honoured for 35 years of service

A LONG-SERVING pool attendant and swimming coach has been recognised by Tweed Shire Council for 35 years of service.

Ian Walker has taught and trained hundreds of children at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centres, becoming one of the longest-serving council employees. He is widely respected for his contributions to the sport.

Walker began as a 24-year-old pool attendant after working with Kingscliff coach Greg Salter in the late 1980s. While Salter went on to train Olympic champions, Walker was just beginning his career in coaching.

He said he was humbled by the recognition for his years of service.

“It certainly has gone quick, it’s something you don’t really think about too much,” he said.

“Council has looked after me, I’ve never had too many sick days or anything like that, either.”

Walker has two decades of coaching experience and has helped swimmers become national age champions.

Many have represented NSW and Queensland at state level, while others have gone on to train at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

He is known for his work in stroke technique and advanced fitness, with specialist training in race conditioning and technical refinement.

Walker said his current swimmers are as strong as any he has coached.

“The kids keep raising the bar,” Walker said.

“A few of the younger ones here at the moment are very fast and could go on to bigger things.

Walker recently celebrated his 60th birthday with his family and said he had no plans to slow down.

“I still have a few years left in me and I want to keep helping the younger ones coming through,” he said.

“I’m not one to boast about myself, I’ve been lucky to have great coaches and staff members around me.”