Photo Courtesy: Delly Carr<\/p>\n
MELBOURNE, Australia, October 9. Swimming Australia would like to congratulate both Denis Cotterell and Jodie Henry OAM on their induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame at an Awards Gala dinner at the Palladium at Crown in Melbourne last night.<\/p>\n
Triple Olympic Gold Medallist Henry and esteemed coach Cotterell were among eight inductees for 2014 including Michelle Jones (triathlon), Natalie Cook OAM (beach volleyball), Bill Lawry AM (cricket), Michael Milton OAM (Paralympian), Kerri Pottharst OAM (beach volleyball) and Dick Telford AM (sports science).<\/p>\n
Currently celebrating its 30th anniversary year, the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame induction is one of this nation\u2019s highest sporting individual honours, and Swimming Australia President, John Bertrand, who is the Chairman of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and was previously inducted with legend status, said the inclusion of Denis and Jodie filled him with pride.<\/p>\n
\u201cSwimming is of national importance for Australia and I am so proud to see Jodie, a world class swimmer and Denis, a world-class coach recognised by the wider sporting community for their achievements.<\/p>\n
Jodie was a source of inspiration every time she raced for the Australian team, wearing the green and gold and Denis\u2019 drive, dedication and knowledge is held in awe within the swimming community around the world. Both Jodie and Denis are absolutely wonderful ambassadors for the sport,\u201d Bertrand said.<\/p>\n
Denis began coaching over 30 years ago and has been head coach of the Miami Swim Club on the Gold Coast since 1976 and a member of the Australian Swim Team since 1987.<\/p>\n
He has coached and mentored some of Australia\u2019s best and has contributed to the success of individuals such as three time Olympic gold medallist Grant Hackett, Olympic and World Championship gold medallist Daniel Kowalski and three-time World Championship gold medallist Giaan Rooney.<\/p>\n
Swimming Australia CEO Mark Anderson said, Denis has lived a life dedicated to the sport of swimming and his induction was recognition of his superb contribution to our sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an organisation Swimming Australia has recognised Denis\u2019 achievements over the years; when in 1999 and 2005 he took the title of Australian Swimming Coach of the Year. In 2005 and in 2008 he was named Australian Age Group Coach of the Year. We are delighted that his achievements have been acknowledged in the wider sporting community with his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame,\u201d Anderson said.<\/p>\n
Swimming Australia Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren was also full of praise and said that Denis is a true icon of the sport of swimming not just within Australia but worldwide.<\/p>\n
\u201cDenis\u2019 abilities as a coach and knowledge of the sport are fantastic and after travelling with him over this past year, it is obvious that he is a much loved and respected member of the Australian team. His passion and work with the sport for many decades has also seen him gain respect and recognition worldwide,\u201d Verhaeren said.<\/p>\n
Denis continues to produce world class athletes and performances, including Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Champion Thomas Fraser-Holmes and emerging distance freestyler Jordan Harrison.<\/p>\n
After winning three gold medals and setting a world record in the 100m freestyle and as part of both the 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relay teams, Jodie Henry was Australia\u2019s golden girl at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and joined Denis at the induction ceremony.<\/p>\n
Throughout her career Jodie also impressed at the FINA World Championships and in Barcelona 2003, the sprint star picked up a silver and two bronze, followed by three gold in Montreal 2005 and one gold in front of a home crowd in Melbourne in 2007.<\/p>\n
On top of this Jodie collected four Commonwealth Games gold and three silver medals over the duration of her swimming career.<\/p>\n
Swimming Australia\u2019s Director of Performance Michael Scott said Jodie\u2019s professionalism and perseverance throughout her career was inspiring.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we look to the future with the vision of improving the Australian Swim Team\u2019s international rankings, it is important to also acknowledge the past and those that have come before. Jodie is one of those swimmers that throughout her career produced some inspiring performances that will no doubt be motivation to the next generation of swimmers coming through the ranks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great to see our team members, past and present, being recognised for their outstanding contributions to the sport and on behalf of Swimming Australia and the entire swimming community I would like to extend my congratulations to Denis and Jodie,\u201d Scott said.<\/p>\n
Denis and Jodie will join a number of swimmers, coaches and staff who have been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n