Denis Cotterell still motivating young talent to make breakthroughs after 40 years as a swimming coach

Mar 28, 2014

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Cotterell recalls the first time he laid eyes on a very young Grant Hackett.

He was not convinced Hackett, eventually a gold medallist at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, was even the best swimmer in his family.

“He was the younger brother of a very good swimmer, his older brother Craig, and I probably didn’t notice Grant’s talents until more like nine or 10,” he said.

“The pedigree was in the family but Craig at that stage was more athletic and looked to have more potential.”