Bermuda Olympian Roy Burch Hired as Assistant Coach for SwimMAC Carolina

Photo Courtesy: Mike Comer/ProSwimVisuals.com

SwimMAC Carolina announced today that it has added two-time Olympic swimmer Roy Burch as Assistant Coach at the club’s Huntersville, N.C., location. With one of the most inspirational stories in competitive sports, Burch suffered a career-ending injury as he was training for his third Olympic quest. He will help coach swimmers in the Senior groups at SwimMAC’s Charlotte north location.

Burch competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and again at the 2012 Games in London as a member of the Bermuda contingent. In the midst of training for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, he suffered a bi-lateral patella rupture in both his knees. Over the next six months, he worked his way back from being wheelchair bound to relearning how to walk, and finally getting back in the pool. Burch competed at the 2016 Caribbean Island Swimming Championships in June and was able to score a FINA “B” standard as the lead-off leg of the Bermudian mixed freestyle relay. Sadly, it wasn’t a strong enough performance to secure a spot on the Olympic team.

In January this year, Burch announced his retirement and the start of his new career as a coach. In addition to his position with SwimMAC, Burch is the Head Swim & Dive Coach at Lake Norman Charter School in Huntersville.

“Roy Burch has faced and overcome great adversity in his life,” said SwimMAC Head Coach Terry Fritch. “As a swimmer, he has shown determination, hard work and how the love of a sport can result in success in the pool and in life. Because of his experiences and character, we are excited for him to join our coaching staff and mentor our young athletes.”

The addition of Burch to the SwimMAC coaching staff is the latest move for the club that is regaining its national prominence in the competitive swimming world. This fall, SwimMAC Carolina will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to SwimMAC,” said Burch. “The club played a pivotal role in my Olympic training. I’m excited to get to know everyone and share my love of swimming with all the kids training there. If I can help motivate one child or inspire them to pursue their dreams, then I’ll consider myself a success.”

Press release courtesy of SwimMAC Carolina.

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Patricia Loftus

6 years ago

Awesome! Great choice by SwimMAC!!!

Lisa Hunt

6 years ago

So proud of you Roy! You have an amazing story and I’m so grateful you are being given these opportunities that you absolutely deserve! “To whom much is given much is required”…….and you don’t hesitate to share your gifts with others and as a result you continue to be blessed! When you are great no one can hold you back!!!

Matt Seadog

6 years ago

Taking American jobs from Americans ….

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Michael Maloney

6 years ago

How come no other former swimmer coach is pictured with swimwear flexing and showing things he shouldnt be showing…..hes a COACH right not a Super model….its like showing a pic of olympic female athlete with her desert animal showing….unclassy…

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