Olympic Gold Medalist Daniel Kowalski Heading to the States

MADISON, Wisconsin, May 30. OLYMPIC gold medalist Daniel Kowalski is headed to the United States after agreeing to become the newest assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin, according to sources close to the team.

Kowalski, who won gold as a prelim swimmer on the Australian 800-meter freestyle relay at the 2000 Sydney Games, will be responsible for many assorted tasks within the program.

As a swimmer, Kowalski also earned silver in the 1500 free as well as bronze medals in the 200 and 400 free in the 1996 Atlanta Games. That trifecta made him the first man in 92 years to capture medals in all three events at an Olympics.

Most recently, Kowalski appeared on the Australian reality television show "It Takes Two" in which celebrities are paired with professional singers to sing duets in a singing-take of "Dancing with the Stars."

Kowalski will replace Eric Fehr, who is leaving Madison to pursue other coaching opportunities.

As expected, Wisconsin sent out a press release officially announcing the hiring.

Kowalski's appointment begins on July 1, pending visa approval.

"I am thrilled that we are adding someone with Daniel's background and level of accomplishment," head coach Eric Hansen said. "He has been to the top of the swimming world as an Olympic gold medalist. Our student-athletes will benefit greatly from his coaching and his experience."

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