Vale Grant Stoelwinder

The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) is mourning the loss of former Olympic and Institute swimming coach Grant Stoelwinder following his recent passing.

Perth-born Grant dedicated close to a decade to the NSWIS swim program, starting at NSWIS in 2008, as the head coach of the newly established NSWIS International Training Program.

Selected onto his first Australian team at the 2005 FINA World Championships, Grant went on to coach many successful international campaigns including the Beijing and London Olympics, numerous world championships, the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships.

As the coach of swimming greats and world record holders Libby Trickett and Eamon Sullivan, Grant was regarded as one of the world’s best sprint coaches throughout the mid 2000’s.  His squad included many members of the Australian swim team and NSWIS scholarship holders including Matt Abood, Mel Mitchell, Geoff Huegill, Andrew Lauterstein, Adam Lucas, and Jim Piper.

Grant was instrumental in the collaborative partnership between NSWIS and the University of Sydney which saw athletes utilise the NSWIS training centre and performance support staff.

Olympic swimmer and NSWIS Director of Corporate & Communications Kirsten Thomson OLY spoke fondly of Grant’s time at NSWIS.

“Stoelly was an immense coaching talent and he produced some of Australia’s best swimmers during his time on pool deck. He was a much loved member of our team and I am sure the many athletes, staff and coaches that spent time with him will always remember his caring nature and vibrant personality.”

Team NSWIS is saddened by the loss of Grant who leaves behind a significant legacy within the sport. Our thoughts are with Grant’s family and friends.

NSWIS