Squads: Junior & State

Cheltenham's Head Coach Antony Edwards is an accredited Silver Licence Swimming Coach, and has more than 30 years experience as a swimming teacher and coach. Antony has taken swimmers to National Competitions for the past 10 years. He has also trained State finalists and medalists in all strokes and distances.

When he was younger, Antony trained with a number of swim schools (including Cheltenham) and was

captain of his school's swim team. He enjoys what he does and it shows in the way he always tackles the task to the very best of his ability.

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Antony's spare time is spent with his wife and two daughters. He also likes to keep fit by water skiing, bike riding and, of course, swimming.

Squad: Performance

My swimming career started when I was 8 years old swimming, swimming has been my passion since. My proudest moment of my swimming career would have to be my first time I made it Nationals as a 13 year old and swam in the 50 free and the 100 free. My favourite events were the 50, 100, 200 free and 100 Backstroke - although at a young age I was a Breaststroker, believe it or not! I swam at nationals up until I was 16 years old. 

I started teaching swimming from the age 17 for Antony at his swim school in Murrumbeena and been an assistant coach at Cheltenham for the past 8 years. Where I have been involved in all levels coaching from the Sub-Junior level up to coaching national athletes. I have had the pleasure of coaching Patterson who was a Multi-Class swimmer to a national 

My interests include surf life saving (also competed at a National level), surfing, Water Polo and snow skiing.

Squads: State Development, Sub-Junior, Development

Originally from the United States, I began swimming competitively when I was 7 years old, and this sport has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Most of my best memories involve swimming and competing with my teammates from my high school and university teams. Although primarily a 200 Butterflier, I also swam the 400 Free and 400 IM. My proudest achievement was making the team at Indiana University and representing IU against other Division I universities in the country. 

As a coach and a swimmer, “dedication” and “teamwork” are two characteristics I find valuable and important to the success and wellbeing of teams and individuals alike. To me, being dedicated means deciding to be mentally engaged, take on feedback, and doing the best you possibly can day-in and day-out. I also view being part of a close-knit team that trains and competes together as one of the most meaningful opportunities afforded to athletes. I love coaching for Cheltenham and helping our swimmers achieve their potential in and out of the pool.

Squads: Intro, Development, Youth

Having swam competitively for eight years at a state and national level, and being a learn to swim teacher for two and a half years, I am excited to continue learning about swimming and the amazing benefits it provides at Cheltenham. Swimming has taught me so much both in and out of the water and so I hope I can engage with young swimmers as they move through their swimming journey.

I’ve always wanted to experience coaching after seeing the effect a great coach can have on swimmers, squads and clubs. Moving into working at Cheltenham, I hope that I can encourage all swimmers to achieve their goals, learn more about themselves, enjoy the ever-changing nature of swimming and of course make plenty of friends and have fun :)

Even though I have left the pool as a competitive swimmer, I have since transitioned into playing waterpolo competitively, representing my university. I think it’s fair to say that once you’re  a swimmer, you’ll never want to leave the pool.

Squads: Intro, Development, Youth, Senior

I have been part of Cheltenham Swimming Club for a number of years. I came to Cheltenham as a competitive swimmer and from starting at the club have really enjoyed being a part of such an amazing club. Although I no longer swim competitively anymore, I took up coaching in 2018 after two years of swim teaching. I love swimming because of the challenges it gives you and sense of achievement as well as the friendships you can make. I am excited to be a part of the coaching team at Cheltenham to watch the swimmers grow and improve as they start their own journey, whilst sharing my knowledge of the sport. Watching the Cheltenham swimmers improve and exceed their own beliefs and goals is something that I look forward to as part of Cheltenham Amateur Swimming Club.

My other interests include football boundary umpiring and coaching junior boundary umpires.

Squad: Adult

I started training at the age of 10 at the Hills Swimming and Life Swimming Club. At the Hills, club members from the age of 14 were able to teach and coach as volunteers under the supervision of club coaches. I loved it and have since become a life long student of swimming. 

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I started coaching Masters swimmers when I moved to Melbourne. Masters athletes are amazing people, and by continuing my swimming passion, I have coached many athletes to States, Nationals, and Worlds in swimming and triathlons, as well as Open Water events including the English Channel. 

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Three of my proudest moments are my children, being in the Lorne Pier to Pub Sharkbait Club, and earning my degree in Exercise and Sports Science. I believe that training quality and technique in swimming achieve best results long term.