The ESWIM Board of Directors is very pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Novak as the new Head Coach of ESWIM starting August 1, 2020.
Robert possesses a long track record of success in Canadian swimming, most recently as Head Coach at the Manta Swim Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Prior to that, he spent six years as Head Coach of the Markham Aquatic Club where he developed that program to national prominence.
More importantly, before his tenure at MAC, Robert worked under Kevin Thorburn for eight years here at ESWIM. As the Head Age Group Coach from 2008-2012, Robert mentored under Coach Thorburn learning the methods of developing the whole swimmer, both physically and mentally to achieve excellence in sport. His relationships with the ESWIM coaches and understanding of our Club community and culture will undoubtedly facilitate a smooth transition into his leadership role. Rob’s focus on technique and skill development have allowed him to create training programs that have yielded outstanding results.
Among many accomplishments, Robert’s swimmers have achieved 45 National Age Group Records, 75 Provincial Records (Manitoba/Ontario), a Senior Canadian Record, 3 World Junior Records and 2 Age Group National Titles (2009 & 2011), an Age Group National Women’s Title (2016), 12 Jr. Provincial Titles and both Eastern and Western Canadian Titles. He has coached 150+ Provincial Champion swimmers and 30 Single Age National Champions. Robert has received the CSCA Award for Domestic Excellence for 15 consecutive seasons and has coached many swimmers that have been selected to Provincial Teams, Junior National Teams, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games.
His accomplishments have been recognized by Swimming Canada which has selected Robert for NACC staff, Australian Tour Teams, Junior Pan Pacific Championships, World Junior Championships and Swimming Canada's Select Coaches Program. Currently pursuing his NCI Level 4 certification, he was selected to the Canadian Coaches Association 2020 Mentorship Program. Robert has an appreciation for the development of a strong, progressive program that builds the technical, physical and mental base for performance excellence in the pool while providing a positive overall swim and life experience for swimmers. Motivation and growth of the swimmers, steering them past obstacles is a core strength of his. He also brings the continuous learning and development philosophy to the coaching staff, himself included.
We hope you will join us in welcoming Robert back to the ESWIM family. We truly look forward to remaking his acquaintance and continuing ESWIM’s legacy of a commitment to excellence.
“I feel truly privileged, honoured, and thrilled to be given this opportunity and I can’t wait to lead the team into the next chapter of what is a remarkable legacy in Canadian swimming. My family and I are extremely excited to move to rejoin the ESWIM family. I’m excited to meet our athletes and family members and get right to work” - Coach Robert Novak