What an exciting time this is for the Aquatics Department at St Andrews International School Bangkok. During the summer, as we basked in the glow of remarkable news of our swimming coach and athlete qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games, the result made it even better. The Olympics, an event that unites athletes from around the world in a celebration of sportsmanship and human spirit, has come particularly close to home for our community this year, inspiring students, staff, and parents alike.
Joy achieves Olympic qualification
The highlight of this thrilling announcement is the qualification of Joy, a dedicated member of our community who serves as a part-time Swimming Coach at St Andrews Swim Academy. After years of rigorous training, perseverance, and determination, not only has Joy succeeded in having a place among the elite athletes competing at the Olympic Games this summer—she also won her heat and placed 23rd globally!
A remarkable personal achievement for Joy and a monumental benchmark for our STA community, setting an inspiring example for our students who aspire to excel in sports.
Joy's journey to becoming an Olympian was filled with challenges, yet her unwavering commitment to the sport and her relentless work ethic have finally paid off. Her talent and, more importantly, her spirit and mindset, reflect the exemplary coaching provided here at St Andrews Bangkok’s Swim Academy. We celebrate her accomplishment on the world stage and are proud to have her on board our team.
Coach X: Leading the Thai National Team at the Olympics
In addition to Joy’s qualification and performance, Coach X, our esteemed Head of Aquatics, was appointed as the Head Swimming Coach for the Thai National Team during these games. Not only is Coach X revered in our community, he was also previously a qualifying Olympic athlete himself, bringing top-level expertise to this prestigious role at our school.
As Head of Aquatics, Coach X has been instrumental in developing our swimming programme, fostering a love for the sport among young swimmers, providing access points to those new to the sport, and maximising the potential of the more experienced athletes. His own athletic journey and transition to coaching have equipped him with unique insights into the demands of competitive swimming. Coach X’s role with the Thai National Team and at St Andrews Bangkok signifies a tremendous opportunity to elevate the standards of swimming in Thailand. The privilege is ours to have him share his knowledge and skills with our students and athletes.
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A culture of excellence and inclusivity at St Andrews
At St Andrews Bangkok, we pride ourselves in being a leading international school in cultivating a culture of excellence and inclusivity. Throughout the years, we’ve made it a priority to ensure all our community members have a place to shine not just in academics but in all disciplines, particularly sports. Our students are encouraged to pursue their passions vigorously, and the achievements of Joy and Coach X are a shining example of our commitment to providing the highest standards of mentoring and support to people of all abilities. With grit and consistency, everyone can become the best version of themselves.
If you're interested in training with the swim team at St Andrews, drop by and find the programme that best fits you. Coach X can always be reached at x.ch@standrews.ac.th. See you at the pool.
