Adam Kable inspires Thai, Southeast Asian swim coaches

PHUKET: Adam Kable, High Performance Squad Coach from the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Center (SOPAC) Swim Club, was the keynote speaker at the recent 2014 Swimming Sport Science South East Asia Conference in Bangkok from April 26-27, an event attended by more than 100 swim coaches from across Thailand and Southeast Asia.

The conference was held to highlight the Australian Embassy’s continuing commitment to foster sports relationships with Thailand.

The event was organized by the Australian Embassy and attended by representatives from the Department of Physical Education under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ruamrudee International School and the Thailand Swimming Association.

“Coaches in Thailand and Southeast Asia have limited training opportunities. With his unique combination of skills, we were delighted Adam accepted our invitation to be the keynote speaker at the conference,” said Chatchadaporn Pitaksathienkul, a research and development officer at the Department of Physical Education’s Bureau of Sport Science.

Kable, a qualified strength and conditioning coach and practicing Sports Physiotherapist, assisted SOPAC Head Coach Brant Best in training Australian swimming world champion James Magnussen to win 2011 and 2013 World Championship titles and 2012 London Olympic medals.

Sathit Hongtong, a Thai swim coach who has trained in Australia with support from the Australia-Thailand Institute, said, “Adam’s participation in the conference reflects Australia’s leading role in combining science and swimming.”

“The Australian Embassy, Bangkok is proud to have supported this conference. Adam Kable’s participation is another example of the friendly and close links between Australia and Thailand. I hope the knowledge shared and connections made will enable swimming communities in the region to develop ongoing professional dialogue,” said Sarah Roberts, acting Australian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, as part of her opening speech at the conference.

Jonathan Kenna, Charge d’affaires of the Australian Embassy, hosted a reception to support links between Australia and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Public Health, the Thailand Swimming Association and sports science professionals.