MEET THE COACH…

"A good coach will help people see what they can be rather than what they are."

Hamilton Aquatics' chief coach is Chris Tidey.

Years in coaching: 6
Home town: Royston - England
Home Club: City of Cambridge swimming Club
Current Position: Head Coach Hamilton Aquatics

Previous Positions:

Director of Aquatics – GEMS Swim Academy Dubai
Head coach - Cambridge University
Assistant Coach - City of Cambridge Swimming Club
Coaching Qualifications:

Coach Education and Sports performance (Bath University)
ASA Club Coach (Level 3)
ASA Teacher (Level 2)
ASA Assistant teacher (Level 1)
Sportscoach UK coaching award

Personal swimming Achievements:

Through my swimming I have represented Great Britain 8 times and England twice. I have medalled at various international meets including the Commonwealth Youth Games and was also the flag bearer for the English team. My highest Junior World Ranking was 11th. I have been award a full blue from the University of Bath and I have received the Cambridge Evening News Sportsman of the Year award two years running.

Best Coaching Achievements:

Having coached Cambridge University to their biggest ever points victory in the Annual Varsity Match. The men's team placed 1st and 2nd in every event, the first time in the competitions 113 year old history.
Coaching Velimir to 9 National Gold Medals (in Serbia) and 2 National Age Group Medals at the British Age Group Championships.

Other coaching Achievements:

Start coach to world Champion Mark Foster, winning the top team in the Middle East Swimming Championships (with over 50% of the gold medals), Coach to Danielle Awori – who was part on the Kenyan team for the Sub-Saharan Games. Part-coach to England Schools international swimmer Rachel Loudain, Multiple Icelandic Age group medallist Asta Magnusdottier, Multiple national Masters record holder, multiple National Masters Champions and medallists. Swimming coach to Ian Le Pellier, who competed in the Commonwealth games triathlon.

Coaching Influences:

Initially, my own Dad - Paul Tidey. He taught me a lot, not just the physical training of swimming but especially the mental approach needed to succeed in the sport. Having worked with the coaches on the Great Britain teams I've picked up a lot of hints and tips to get the best out of swimmers. Whether it's how to coach or how not to coach you can learn from nearly every coach you meet.

Most important coaching qualities:

Patience, understanding and respect are very important, but without the motivation to succeed, enthusiasm and enjoyment then it's hard to get the best out of the swimmers.

Ambitions as a coach:

I am an ambitious and enthusiastic swimming coach, who is motivated not just by the success of participants, but by their enjoyment also. I'm looking forward to creating the pathways for swimmers in our Swim Academy to achieve a centre where future Champions are created.