Sadat-Jon Hussain and the Geelong Swimming Club are intrinsically linked. When people mention the club, Sadat’s name shortly follows. He has become an iconic feature of the swimming fraternity and we are sad to see him go.
Sadat has most recently coached the Country and Multiclass squads but has also coached many swimmers from across the club at all levels. He has an inherent love of swimming; having started as a learn to swim instructor with COGG prior to commencing in a coaching role with the club in 2013.
During his time with GSC Sadat has helped junior swimmers transition into the club environment and worked with able-bodied athletes aged 8 – 19yr honing technique and preparing them for country, state and national competition.
We are thankful to Sadat for the dedication and expertise he has brought to his coaching role. He has been instrumental in developing our award-winning program for swimmers with disability and with his guidance our athletes have achieved phenomenal results including representation on Australian teams, national and international records and state and country champions. He has helped the GSC put our best foot forward within the inclusion space.
From 2015 – 2019 Sadat was appointed Head Coach of the Barwon South West Swimming Association district junior team, coaching the region’s best junior athletes at the annual championships in Melbourne. From Melbourne to jet setting around the globe, Sadat was also selected to represent Australia as coach of the Down Syndrome Swimming Association’s Australian swimming team at the DSSA world championships in 2014, 2016, 2018. A career highlight for Sadat was being selected as part of the Australian coaching team for the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games where 4 of our own GSC athletes also qualified to represent the country in the green and gold.
In 2017, Sadat was a finalist in the Viva Community Awards in the category of ‘coach of the year’. In 2020 Sadat was recognised and celebrated at the Victorian Sport and Recreation Awards as “Coach of the Year” for his contribution to the swimming fraternity and his efforts to foster inclusion and create opportunities for all swimmers with disability.
As a member of the club for 13 years Sadat has worn many hats including parent, committee member and President from 2009 – 2014. We welcomed and celebrated Sadat as a Life Member of the GSC in 2021 for the valued contribution he has made to our club and the aquatic industry within the region; his contribution has not gone unnoticed, has helped set our club in good stead and should be celebrated.
Thank you Sadat, we wish you all the best.
