The Role of Coaches in Oman's Swimming Revolution

Swimming has been a fundamental part of various cultures for centuries, with its significance ranging from a necessary survival skill to a form of recreation and competition. Across different cultures and individuals, perceptions of swimming vary: for some, it is a lifestyle activity, while for others, it serves as entertainment. These varying perspectives reflect the deep connection between humans and nature, with water being one of the key elements in this relationship.

Regardless of how one views swimming, it has evolved into a global industry. Once an additional service at tourist resorts, swimming has now become a standalone industry, growing in size and influence each day.

In Oman, swimming has seen notable progress, transitioning from a traditional skill to a recognized industry. Historically, many Omanis learned to swim through direct interaction with nature, surrounded by water sources like wadis, valleys, and coastal areas. Today, numerous swimming schools, clubs, and gyms offer structured swimming lessons.

This swimming transformation in Oman marks a significant step towards developing local swimmers. What was once a skill learned out of necessity is now evolving into a competitive sport, with Omani swimmers poised to compete in regional and international championships. This shift presents new opportunities, not just for swimmers but also for coaches, who play a vital role in developing the next generation of athletes.

However, this shift also raises important questions, including one that often comes up: "Can a good swimmer be a good coach?" The answer to this isn't as straightforward as one might think. While a skilled swimmer possesses the technical know-how, not everyone can effectively transfer that knowledge to others.

Another relevant question is whether a good coach must also be an excellent swimmer. Surprisingly, the answer is no. As Egyptian swimming coach Asmaa Al Najar explains, "Not every swimming coach is a professional swimmer. Some coaching positions only require a degree in physical education, rather than advanced swimming skills, ensuring the coach has the expertise needed to train others."

Asmaa stresses the importance of both experience and technical knowledge when it comes to coaching swimming. "To identify and correct mistakes, a coach must have a deep understanding of the training methodologies," she says. She also highlights the importance of staying informed through diverse educational materials, noting that many valuable resources on swimming are written in languages like English and German.

Swimming, once viewed as merely a physical skill or coaching license, has now developed into an academic discipline. Asmaa shares how one of her professors holds a PhD in swimming, reflecting the global recognition of swimming as a serious field of study.

World champion coach

While being a competitive swimmer can provide valuable experience, it is not a prerequisite for coaching at a high level. Some of the best coaches in the world have not been elite swimmers themselves, yet they excel in their ability to teach, motivate, and guide their athletes.

Coaching is a multifaceted skill that requires more than just technical knowledge of the sport; it also involves understanding biomechanics, psychology, communication, and training methodologies, all of which can be learned without competing.

For example, Bob Bowman, the renowned coach of Michael Phelps, was never an elite swimmer himself. However, he became one of the most successful swimming coaches in history due to his deep understanding of the sport, his ability to tailor training programs to the unique needs of his athletes, and his strong motivational skills.

Similarly, Australian coach Jacco Verhaeren, who has guided multiple Olympic champions, also did not reach the highest levels as a competitive swimmer but has proven to be an outstanding strategist and motivator.

Oman needs more skilled swimming coaches to support the growing interest and development of swimming as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport. As the country increasingly invests in sports and fitness, swimming is emerging as a vital part of this development, especially given Oman's abundant natural water sources such as beaches, wadis, and coastal areas. To harness this potential, professional coaching is essential to ensure swimmers can develop proper techniques, safety skills, and competitive abilities.

The rise of swimming academies, clubs, and recreational centres in Oman reflects a shift towards more structured and professional training environments. Good coaches are key to elevating local swimmers from casual participants to competitive athletes capable of representing Oman in regional and international competitions. Additionally, having well-trained coaches would help foster a culture of water safety, reducing the risk of drowning, especially among children and inexperienced swimmers. What makes these coaches effective is their focus on the science behind swimming and their ability to connect with their athletes on an emotional and psychological level. They emphasize building trust, developing personalized training plans, and fostering a positive mental attitude, which are all crucial components of coaching that go beyond simply having competed at a high level. Their success highlights that while personal swimming experience can be an asset, it is not the defining factor in becoming a great coach.