Aussie Coach Michael Bohl Makes a Splash: New Chapter with Chinese Swimming Association!

The retirement of esteemed Australian Olympic instructor Michael Bohl following the 2024 Olympic Games was short-lived, as 7News reports that the former leader of Griffith University has accepted a role with the Chinese Swimming Association.

Bohl, prior coach to multiple Olympic medalists including Kaylee McKeown and Emma McKeon, has been appointed as a consultant at high-performance centers in Shanghai and Beijing, China.

“Swimming Australia acknowledges that Michael Bohl has taken on a position in China,” stated Swimming Australia in a message to 7NEWS.

“Michael has been a significant figure in the sport’s highest levels for over thirty years, and while we are saddened to lose a coach of his experience, his global insights and international experience will always be appreciated back at the pool.”

“Swimming Australia’s High Performance framework and coaching support is unparalleled in the world and will subsequently continue to draw international interest.”

When Bohl disclosed his retirement plans last summer, the 61-year-old remarked, “I’ve been coaching for 37 years and I’ve never taken a pause, so I just want to relax and step away for a bit.

“I’m not rushing to determine what I want to pursue next, so I just want to pause and savor life a little for a year.

“Then towards the conclusion of 2025, I will critically evaluate whether it is something I wish to continue with?

“Right now, I feel after a year I might be ready to return, but, after that duration, I could think, ‘Hey, I believe I’m finished’.”

Bohl is not the first Australian coach to team up with the Chinese squad; Denis Cotterell has been involved with the nation for several years, including his role as the coach of former world record holder and Olympic champion Sun Yang.

China ranked sixth in the swimming medal standings at the Paris Olympic Games, underscored by then-19-year-old Pan Zhanle‘s commanding victory in the men’s 100m freestyle, where he set a new world record of 46.40, winning by over a second.

On the women’s side, Zhang Yufei shone brightly, earning a total of six medals, including individual bronzes in the 50m freestyle, 100m butterfly, and 200m butterfly.