Cherry Smith

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has been officiating swim meets in NSW since 1994. So, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Cherry Smith.

Cherry picked up a stopwatch at her daughters first come and try swim meet at the Peakhurst ASC swimming club in 1994 and has not looked back since then.

After her children moved on from swimming Cherry continued to volunteer her time officiating meets building her experience and knowledge in the technical side of swimming.

Cherry has been given the opportunity to officiate at major events like the Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth Games during her 8-year term as a FINA technical official and remembers seeing some of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic swimmers she has officiated compete at their first swim meet when they were young.

For the future of officiating swimming Cherry see’s an interesting future entwined with technology and looks forward to a hybrid system where the technology assists us to run a fair and efficient swim meet.

Cheery shares her thoughts on the coach/official relationship and explains that the officials are there to keep the swim meet fare and emphasizes that the officials are not out to get swimmers. They enjoy watching swimmers achieve PD and race goals.

Chlorine is in her blood and even though Cherry’s term as a FINA technical official has come to an end and she has stepped down from the technical official’s board she looks forward to continuing her walks along pool deck and hopes to give back to the industry by mentoring and supporting new officials and by sharing her knowledge and skills.

Through today’s episode Cherry shares some insights into her work as well as her thoughts on swimming and where she see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Cherry’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all her contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: regionalswimclinics@outlook.com

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for our Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s dive in and find out more about Cherry’s journey in swimming.  

Cherry Smith’s Contact Information:

Email: cherrysmith52@outlook.com

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – regionalswimclinics@outlook.com

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Aquatic Mentors Ebook Link: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/