By Margaret Maccoll
Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalist of the 1960s and 1970s Greg Rogers will begin swim coaching at Tewantin pool this week, after he and wife Margaret took over the lease for the pool.
The couple’s daughters, Dahlas, 22, and Lana, 21, who are both swimming champions will also coach at the pool when they are not competing.
Margaret Rogers said the family moved to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney a few years ago. They previously leased the pool at Maleny, and continue to hold the lease for Pomona pool but wanted to move to Tewantin to be closer to their daughters at Noosa.
Greg won silver and bronze medals in the 100m and 200m freestyle relays at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. At the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, Greg and his brother Neil won gold in the 100m and 200m freestyle relays. Greg won individual silver and bronze medals in the 100m and 200m freestyle events. At one point, Greg was regarded as “the fastest man in the world” for the 100m and 200m freestyle, Margaret said.
Dahlas is currently representing Queensland in the World Cup in Europe. Lana last year gained the Summer of Surf Champion title, and is on track for the Nutri-Grain Ironman series after injury caused her to pull out last year.
Margaret said both daughters were involved in surf lifesaving, and Lana continues to work patrols and compete while Dahlas prefers to compete against the clock in the pool.
Greg said the water at Tewantin pool was 28 degrees Celsius and everyone was welcome.
For information on classes, phone Margaret on 0499 377 475 or visit the Tewantin Swimming Pool Facebook site.
