Olympian Tom Ponting to coach Charlottetown Bluephins swim team

Canadian Olympian TomPontinghas been named the new head coach of the CharlottetownBluephinsAquatic Club, taking over August 1.

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Ponting won a silver medal in the 4100 medley relay at both the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and a bronze medal in the 4100 medley relay at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Ponting also achieved three world records and 33 national titles throughout his career.

"We're very excited about having Tom Ponting join the Bluephins, just given his background," said David Harrison, president of the board of the Bluephins.

"They can look to him as somebody who has achieved at an international level and say 'You know, I can do this as well,'" said Harrison.

'Very positive for swimming'

Harrison believes Ponting will not only be an inspiration to the club's 200 developing young swimmers, but also attract new participants, so will be "very positive for swimming on P.E.I."

Ponting has coached competitive swimming for almost 20 years since retiring from the sport, and is a certified NCCP Level 3 coach. He is currently assistant coach of the Calgary Winter Club.

"I think that he's going to be able to provide a perspective mental things that the kids can help prepare themselves for, for their competitions," Harrison added.

The Bluephins have swimmers in programs from development to competitive national levels.

Along with a dozen others, Ponting applied for the position.

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"In discussions with him, I think he was excited about the opportunity with the club. He saw it as a club that was growing and had a lot of upside," said Harrison, adding Ponting liked the pool complex and the benefits of the P.E.I. lifestyle.

In addition to being head coach for the Bluephins, Ponting will also be involved in coaching the UPEI varsity swim team.

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