Daniel Coombs
Here is a name for the future. Following our great interest in swimming we have recently started to support Danny.
Due to his fantastic results in competition, his dedication and his attitude, he was chosen by British Swimming as one of three youngsters to go to Australia for two years, where he had the opportunity to train in optimised conditions with expert coaching and in a very competitive environment on the Gold Coast.
When Danny first came to our attention it was to supply powered swimming goggles to enable him to see better in training. Most of the standard supply powered goggles won’t stay watertight under racing conditions and so were unsuitable. The bespoke Italian sourced goggles we supply were a real hit with Daniel but on his first visit to Oz he realised the problems with the bright sunlight in the outdoor pool he trains in. Our lab was a little surprised to be asked to make up further goggles with a UV blocking tint but the end result has been very successful.
To safeguard Danny’s eyes we have also provided him with Oakley sunspecs. These have a dual benefit of providing him with absolute protection and comfort visually, whilst also making him definitely ‘cool’.
Last year in April Daniel set a British Record for the 17 year old 200 Individual Medley. In July he competed for GB at the European Juniors Championships in Majorca. Then in August Daniel won 3 Gold Medals at the National Youth Championships.
In November, Danny Graduated from the Southport School, Queensland Australia, and was awarded the Founders Award for Leadership after displaying ‘outstanding leadership and service beyond his normal duties in two or more distinct areas'.
Deputy Head Alan Parsons described him as ' an ambassador for the British Swimming Programme' He deserved this award, it has been a pleasure to have him at the school and he would be welcome back at any time'
After spending time at home over Christmas, Daniel joined GB Head Coach Ian Turner at Loughborough, where he is currently training alongside senior Commonwealth Medallists David Carry, Ross Davenport, Mel Marshall and Julia Beckett.
Daniel swam in the Olympic trials at Sheffield in April, where he produced several personal best performances, but narrowly missed out on selection for Beijing. Although disappointed at not making the team, he remains very positive and is looking forward to swimming in the Tri Nations, in Quebec, in August, before concentrating towards the next Commonwealth Games in India and the London Olympics in 2012.”
