Latest news with #swimming
Independent Singapore
13 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore Aquatics bolsters coaching team with Japanese Masataka Ishimatsu's expertise
SINGAPORE: Japanese coach Masataka Ishimatsu will join the national training centre as part of its long-term ambition to develop a sustainable pipeline of elite athletes and prepare a competitive team for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The announcement by the Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) on May 29 coincides with its National Training Centre's 10th anniversary this year, as the national sports association charts a bold course for the future with a strategic expansion of both its coaching and sport science teams. 'I'm excited to be part of the team at Singapore Aquatics, especially as the National Training Centre enters this new chapter. I have seen firsthand how committed teams can make a big impact on the world stage,' said SAQ's co-lead coach Ishimatsu. Ishimatsu, a key figure in Japan's Olympic coaching setup from 2017 to 2025, will be supporting Singapore's national swimming head coach, Gary Tan, alongside current lead coaches Alexander Mordvincev and Gustavo Schirru. 'The recent growth of our National Training Centre marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of sporting excellence. By blending experienced international coaches with promising local talents, we are building a high-performance system geared for both immediate success and long-term sustainability. The addition of Masataka Ishimatsu strengthens our depth in middle-distance events, complementing our existing strengths,' expressed Gary Tan, SAQ's national head coach. Singapore Aquatic's national training centre co-lead Singapore Aquatics – Masataka Ishimatsu and national swimming head coach Gary Tan. (Photo credit: Singapore Aquatics) Ishimatsu brings extensive international experience, having trained some of Japan's most decorated swimmers, including two-time Olympic gold medalist Yui Ohashi, two-time Olympic medalist Ryosuke Irie, and Akihiro Yamaguchi, a former world record holder in the 200m breaststroke. Beyond his coaching credentials, Ishimatsu has played a key role in developing national training camps and technical planning structures for Japan's elite squads and is highly regarded within Japan's coaching community as a rising leader in high-performance swimming coaching. 'My goal is to contribute not just in the pool but also by sharing technical knowledge and coaching culture that supports long-term success. I look forward to working with the athletes and staff to build something special together,' added the 38-year-old Japanese swimming coach. SAQ also shared that they remain focused on preparing a strong and competitive team for the LA 2028 Olympics, and they are working to deliver world-class performance through enhanced coaching and sport science capabilities. Ex-national swimmers nurturing the next generation Former national swimmer Zach Ong will join SAQ as coach of the Emerging Talents Programme, where he will lead efforts to shape and develop Singapore's next generation of youth swimmers. Meanwhile, Donovan Lee will step into his new role as sports science executive. The sports science team will also welcome Koh Chiya as a full-time high-performance sports scientist. See also Golden gift from Shanti Pereira and Remy Ong to National Museum SAQ's national swimming head coach Tan also pointed out that as they prepare for the 2028 Olympics, they are 'dedicated to nurturing a strong pipeline of junior athletes and cultivating a strong coaching workforce rooted in local expertise, setting the foundation for our development into a world-class aquatics nation.' These appointments underscore SAQ's long-term commitment to nurturing local talent, with Ong and Lee's transition from national athletes to technical and coaching roles reflecting a purpose-driven pipeline that invests in individuals with lived experience in high-performance sport. Former national swimmer Donovan Lee will join Singapore Aquatics' sport science set-up. (Photo credit: Singapore Aquatics) 'As we mark 10 years of the National Training Centre, we are not only celebrating a significant milestone but also charting the next phase of our journey. Moving forward, we are placing greater emphasis on developing a robust pipeline of coaching talent,' said Associate Professor Kenneth Goh, President of SAQ. Goh shared that their goal is to build a sustainable, high-performance ecosystem anchored in home-grown talent. This includes providing meaningful opportunities to the local coaching community through educational workshops and on-deck mentorship from both local and international experts. 'This long-term investment in people and systems will strengthen Singapore's competitiveness in aquatics across all levels—from junior development right through to the Olympic stage,' added Goh. Apart from the 2028 Olympics, SAQ also highlighted its commitment to building a broad talent pipeline that will develop more athletes ready to compete in the 2026 Asian Games, as well as the 2027 and 2029 SEA Games.
CTV News
14 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
People look to beat the heat as hot weather hits Lethbridge
Southern Alberta is seeing its first heat wave of the year, with temperatures near, at or above 30 over the next few days. Southern Alberta is seeing its first heat wave of the year with temperatures expected to sit near or above 30 C over the next few days. The heat has plenty of people cranking up their air conditioning. If you don't have an air conditioner and are planning on buying a unit, you may have to wait. Chris Bruce from KB Heating, Plumbing and Air Conditioning says they get anywhere from two to three-times the normal call volume during a heat wave. Others may instead head to a pool to cool off. While outdoor pools won't open until mid June, indoor pools are open for anyone looking to get out of the sun. 'As soon as the school is out … demand goes up exponentially for ... July and August, and we're busting at the seams all day, every day to make sure everyone's having a good and fun time,' said Wyatt Powelson, aquatics manager at the Cor Van Raay YMCA. Swimming may be a fun summer activity but does also come with some risk. 'It's always better to be safe than sorry,' said Powelson. 'If you've got a life jacket, take it out with you. Preferably not blue for visibility. Any time you're on a boat, make sure you're wearing your lifejacket, and then always make sure you're staying hydrated.'
National Post
a day ago
- General
- National Post
Canadian man who disappeared after going swimming in Mexico washes up dead
A 31-year-old Canadian man has been found dead at Mexico's Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido. Article content Braydon Bretzer was reportedly with American citizen Chris Ankele when the pair were last seen swimming in the water on Sunday, May 25, according to Mexican publication Ahora Oaxaca Noticias. Authorities said witnesses saw a current pulling them away and they drifted out to sea before disappearing, Daily Mail reported. Article content Article content The beach is a well-known surfing spot, per travel website Lonely Planet's review of the location. 'Nonsurfers beware: the waters here have a lethal undertow and are not safe for the boardless, or beginner surfers either,' the site warns. According to authorities, Zicatela is not suitable for swimming, 'especially during swells, which cause dangerous currents and waves up to three meters high,' local publication El Tiempo reported. Article content 'Consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance,' said MacLeod, adding that no more information can be disclosed at this time due to privacy considerations. Article content On May 26, Puerto Escondido Lifeguards said there were two people missing at sea in a social media post. They cautioned beach-goers against walking along Zicatela Beach and said to avoid getting into the water. Videos shared by the account on Instagram showed white-capped waves slamming down onto the shore. Article content Article content View this post on Instagram A post shared by SalvavidasLifeguard PuertoEscondido (@salvavidas_lifeguard_puertoesc) Article content The Municipal Government of San Pedro Mixtepec said a search for the tourists was underway in the area, in a post on Facebook on May 27 around noon. It urged 'tourist service providers to stay informed about the weather conditions.' It also said that locals should 'avoid entering the sea' and listen to instructions from lifeguards. Article content
CBC
2 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Corner Brook's new swimming pool is finally a reality
Years of waiting for a new recreation centre in Corner Brook are over with the opening of the Marina Redmond Centre. One of its biggest selling points is a new pool, which swimmers in the region say will improve their training and overall experience when it comes to swimming on the west coast.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Topeka-area pools finally open for the season
TOPEKA (KSNT) – With the days finally warming up, residents of the Top City are taking to the pool. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation had planned to open pools throughout the past week. Thanks to rain and temperatures below 70 degrees, abrupt closures or even days without opening have been common. On Thursday afternoon, the Parks and Rec team announced on social media the temperature had warmed up enough to finally open the pools. 27 News caught up with a swimmer celebrating his last day of sophomore year. The weather delays have made his first visit to the Oakland pool a long time coming. 'It's been making me mad cause every time I use to roll by here and it's supposed to be open, it ain't open,' Topeka High Student, Mello Collins said. 'But you know it's alright, cause when we get in the water we sharkin'.' As long as temperatures stay above 70 degrees and severe weather stays away, Shawnee County pools should open from noon to 5 p.m. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
