The University of the Pacific men's and women's swim teams are excited to announce the hiring of Simon Burnett to the coaching staff as an assistant coach. The swimming community around the world certainly knows about the three-time British Olympian and NCAA record holder who will now bring his international experience and knowledge to Pacific.
The Head Swim Coach Peter Richardson raves about what Coach Burnett will bring to the team. "His NCAA and international experience will help our talented swimmers reach their potential," said Richardson. "A number of our athletes are striving to make their respective international/Olympic teams and Simon is the perfect fit."
Coach Burnett swam for the University of Arizona from 2003-2006 where he won three individual titles as well as three relay championships. The former Wildcat team captain also set the NCAA and US Open record in the 200 freestyle (1:31.20), which he still holds today. Burnett represented Great Britain in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games where he was a four-time Olympic finalist. In addition to his Olympic success, Burnett was a six-time World Championship Finalist.
"To have the world's fastest 200 yard freestyler on your staff, is not an every day occurrence. Our team will surely benefit from his experiences as a swimmer. However, as good of a swimmer as Simon was, his ability to coach and communicate can surpass his athletic accomplishments," said Richardson.
Over the last three years Coach Burnett ran his own private swim school (L.A. Breakout Swimmers Club) and won three consecutive league titles as the head coach at Maranatha High School in Pasadena, Calif. At his swim school, Burnett utilized video analysis to teach proper technique and race strategy to his swimmers.
Coach Burnett will be working with all aspects of the Pacific swimming program but will put an emphasis on recruiting, coaching the freestylers, and video analysis.
