"Yuriy is experienced in managing Paralympic swimmers at the international level, and his extensive knowledge will be a huge asset to the Paralympic high performance programme at Swimming Australia."

Vdovychenko had previously worked with the Australian Paralympic Committee as a project development coordinator where he worked with athletes with severe disabilities.

He also has experience with working at the NTC after recently taking part in the Swimming Australia Paralympic Development Camp, "Road to Rio", where he was appointed as skills coach and was responsible for the swimming technique and skill sessions and wetplate video analysis.

Paralympic performance manager Adam Pine claimed Vdovychenko's experience and passion is a major coup for the programme.

"Yuriy's enthusiasm and attention to detail makes him the perfect appointment to support and develop athletes in the NTC elite environment and his ability to mentor and up skill our para-coaches will be a huge asset," Pine said.

On his work at the "Road to Rio" development camp, Pine added: "The thoroughness with which he undertook this role and the detail in reports he provided about specific coaching and technical considerations for swimmers with different disabilities was exceptional.

"With Yuriy at the NTC, the planning and delivery of camps, integration of coach education, sport science, medicine, technology and other support services will be maximised."

Vdovychenko's appointment looks to build on Australia's strong Paralympic performance which saw them win 37 medals in the pool including 18 gold ©Getty Images





Before his arrival in Australia in 2003, Vdovychenko had worked as head coach for the Ukrainian National Paralympic swimming team following his graduation from the Dnipropetrovsk State Institute of Sport and Physical Culture where he earned a masters degree in cCoaching and sports administration.

The chief executive of the APC, Jason Hellwig, congratulated Swimming Australia on making the appointment and said Vdovychenko is the ideal coach to lead the Paralympic programme at the NTC.

"Yuriy has an unbelievable technical knowledge and understanding of Paralympic swimming," he said.

"He will bring an immense amount of experience to his new role and an unwavering desire to get the best out of everyone he works with."

"The APC knows how good Yuriy is as a coach, and I have no doubt that he will soon become more widely regarded as one of the best Paralympic swimming coaches in the world."

Vdovychenko officially started in the new role this week.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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