U.S. Paralympics Swimming Names John Payne Head Coach for Paris
U.S. Paralympics Swimming on Monday named John Payne the head coach for the team at the Paralympics in Paris this summer.
Payne is currently the associate head coach of the TAC Titans. He’s been involved with the national team in various capacities, including with the national select and national open water select camps from 2011-19. He was the head coach of the U.S. open water team at the 2023 Pan American Games.
In the paraswimming realm, he has worked directly with Tokyo medalists Morgan Stickney and Hannah Aspden, both North Carolina natives.
“It is always a great honor to represent the USA in international competition, and I am proud to be able to lead Team USA in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris,” Payne said in a press release. “There is no better feeling as a coach to help make what once started as dream for an athlete become a reality. I look forward to working with U.S. Paralympics Swimming to build an outstanding staff and create an environment and team culture where each athlete has the preparation and support to compete and perform at their highest level.”
Team USA won 35 medals at the Paralympics in Tokyo in 2021. U.S. Paralympic Team Trials will take place June 27-29 at the University of Minnesota, which will serve as the final selection for this year’s team.
“We are extremely excited to welcome John to the Paris team,” Director of U.S. Paralympics Swimming Erin Popovich said. “He has proven himself throughout his career to be a strong leader with a history of excellence in the sport. I have no doubt that he will lead Team USA to a successful Games this summer.”