Departing South African proudly savoured Majulah Singapura in Rio
Ryan Hodierne (right, briefing Singapore swim star Joseph Schooling) is set to join the New South Wales Institute of Sport after the Fina World Championships
BUDAPEST — Regarded as one of the best in his field, Ryan Hodierne is set to join the New South Wales Institute of Sport after his last assignment with the Singaporean swimmers at the Fina World Championships.
The South African biomechanist had worked with Joseph Schooling ahead of the Rio Olympics, and was largely credited for Schooling’s historic gold medal triumph in the 100m butterfly.
Hodierne told TODAY that he will miss working with the team, particularly Team Singapore’s swimmers — including para swimmers Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu, who won two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Schooling’s winning moment in Rio was also special, he recounted.
“It all culminated in Rio when I heard the Singaporean anthem playing, and almost feeling like I was Singaporean at the point in time,” he said.
“It wasn’t necessarily my relationship or connection to the country, but my connection to the individual and the impact that had on the nation.
“And having been in elite sport since 2009, I can understand what impact it can have on a nation and a nation as small as Singapore, and just how that’s going to change mindsets about sports.”
Moving to Australia was a family decision, said Hodierne, who joined the Singapore Sports Institute (SSI) three years ago.
He said: “I was approached by them ... It wasn’t a professional decision, it was more a family decision considering the long term and our two-year-old son Luke’s schooling.
“The important thing in me leaving is that there’s so much goodness with Singapore swimming in general and I’ve played a very small part in it, as well as this huge momentum that is driving it forward. We’re pushing margins here, for tenths, hundredths of a second, we’re all very aware of that.”
Hodierne’s expertise will be missed “tremendously”, said Singapore Swimming Association technical director Sonya Porter.
“He is probably the best in the world at what he does. This is definitely a huge loss and he leaves big shoes to fill and we are trying to find someone.
“He brings a different perspective, it’s not just about statistics and videos, but his relationships with the athletes.”
