Bob Bowman, 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Head Coach, Talks With Rowdy Gaines (Video Interview)

Photo Courtesy: Joao Marc Bosch

2016 U.S. Olympic Team Men’s Head Coach Bob Bowman of Arizona State University chats with three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines.

Original Swimming World report announcing the decision:

In a career that includes such accomplishments as guiding Michael Phelps to unparalleled heights in swimming, Bob Bowman will add one more accolade: Olympic head coach.

Bowman will be head coach of the 2016 U.S. Olympic men’s swim team, his first time at the helm of the Olympic squad. He had served as assistant coach at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Games, where his primary task at each meet was seeing Phelps through some extraordinary performances.

“I got a text from Frank Busch saying ‘Please call me,’” Bowman said after the announcement. “When he told me I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’”

The 51-year-old had previously served as head coach of an international squad at the 2007, 2009 and 2013 world championships. He was also an assistant at the 2014 Pan Pacific championships, which marked Phelps’ first meet in his return to competition.

It’ll be a busy 11 months for Bowman leading up to the Rio Olympics. In addition to the preliminary duties he’ll handle as head Olympic coach, he’s also going to be busy in his first season as head coach at Arizona State University. Bowman was hired as the head coach at ASU in April. He’s also leading a strong elite squad in Tempe, Ariz., including Phelps, Allison Schmitt, David Nolan and more.

Bowman will be leading an Olympic team that will look to bounce back from what was perceived as a subpar week at the FINA world championships last month. The men’s team only won two gold medals (the 400 medley relay and Ryan Lochte in the 200 IM) out of 10 total in Kazan. Many inside USA Swimming have been quick to point out that the squad did not include Phelps and a couple others who performed well at the U.S. nationals.

“I’m so grateful to so many people who allowed me to stand here today,” Bowman said. “I’d like to mention the head Olympic I served under: Eddie Reese, Mark Schubert, Gregg Troy. Those are just icons in the sport and to be considered in their company is an honor and I’m truly humbled.

“I’m excited to get to work on … things we can do as a team. The strength of a swimming nation is on its relays, … and right now we could be better. I look forward to working toward the next year with our athletes to get them ready for when the time comes. The time you put in today will make the difference between going to Rio and not (going), between winning a medal and not (winning a medal).

“As a staff, we are committed to making the USA the number one team there, and do it in a way that everyone enjoys it, and is a part of what is happening. Every person on that team will contribute, and every person has to contribute to make it happen.”

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x