Many parents believe it’s imperative their children know how to swim and Wyndham City Swimming Club’s director and swim coach Paul Taylor agrees … that’s why he’s dedicated much of his life to the sport.
What’s your connection to the local community?
I grew up in Hoppers Crossing and have been involved in swimming in the area for most of my life. I started swimming at Werribee swimming club at age eight in the outdoor pool and spent 20 hours a week training there as a teenager. I’ve been a swim coach since age 16 for Wyndham City swimming club, previously Werribee swimming club and director of the club for nine years. I enjoy working with kids and helping them to improve their swimming and achieve their goals. I coach kids aged 13 and up, including six swimmers who qualified for the Olympic Games trials in 2012. I also help design training programs for young swimmers, including those swimming for fun and fitness and the competitive ones.
I’m a primary school teacher too and spent six years teaching at Seabrook Primary School in Point Cook.
What do you like about Wyndham?
Wyndham is very multicultural and the diverse mix of people, old and new, make for a good community. I coach swimmers from a variety of backgrounds and they always have lots of different stories to share.
Federation Trail and Skeleton Creek trail are great for walking or riding in the area.
I have fond memories of growing up in Hoppers Crossing, which always had a community feel. I would go to the shops and always bump into someone I knew. There were also lots of open spaces back then, including paddocks and parks.
What would you like to see change in the area?
It’s difficult to get in and out of Wyndham. We need the infrastructure to support the growing community, to keep everyone connected, including better access to public transport.
What’s your favourite eatery or place to get coffee?
The Wyndham City swimming club coaching team often meet at Corinthians in Hoppers Crossing, which makes the best coffee. And we often go to DiCaprio’s with the committee, and for get-togethers after competitions.
I love Asian food and Fresh Chilli Thai is great, along with Watton Vietnamese takeaway.
How do you spend your downtime?
I enjoy training, including swimming in Werribee Olympic outdoor pool, riding my bike along Federation Trail, Skeleton Creek, Altona beach and in Williamstown, and running anywhere.
Suggest a My Wyndham interviewee by emailing rmiller@starweekly.com.au
