Roland Schoeman
Roland Schoeman
QUICK STATS
- Birthday: July 3, 1980
- Hometown: Pretoria, South Africa
- Now Resides: Phoenix, AZ
- College: The University of Arizona & University of Pretoria
- Height: 6’ 3’’
- Coach: Brett Hawke
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Four-Time Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012)
- Earned a gold, silver and bronze medal in the Athens Olympic Games
- Voted Africa’s Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World in 2004, 2005, and 2006
- Voted South African Swimmer of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006
- Elected South African Sports Star of the Year in 2004
EXPERIENCE
While Roland 
Schoeman may have begun swimming to impress his crush, his love affair with the water blossomed into a life-long passion that has taught him incredible life lessons such as patience, trust, communication, persistence and hard work–qualities he hopes to impart on the upcoming swimming generation.
Though Roland’s legendary racing days are over, he channels his elite experience and contagious energy into teaching and helping the next generation of young swimmers grow and accomplish their goals.
“There are few things greater than seeing a swimmer’s face light up when they have an ‘Aha’ moment – when something finally clicks on their start, turn or their technique.”
In his opinion, most young swimmers know the basics and often hear their coaches repeating the same things, such as high elbows or six-beat kicks, but they don’t know how to truly implement these skills. Roland takes the time to get on the swimmer’s level and connect the purpose behind each drill and skill, ensuring that the skills participants learn will carry into their long-term swim career. Because Roland is able to holistically look at each individual swimmer and ask himself, “What else can be fixed? Where else can there be improvement?” your swimmers will be challenged to approach their strokes and skills from a new perspective.
Roland holds nothing back – he is here to answer any question a swimmer may have about the sport, whether it be on techniques, injuries, his own swimming career, how they can progress in the pool, what to do if they hit a plateau, how to keep a balanced life while staying strong in the pool, and more. He’s there to help them achieve their swimming goals, whatever they may be.
The main lesson Roland wants swimmers to walk away with after his clinic is this:
“No one in this world but you can determine where you can or cannot succeed. There is no such thing as failure, only lessons.”
Further your swimming goals and dreams by booking Roland Schoeman for your next clinic!
Participant Feedback From Roland's Clinics
“My son has not stopped talking about how much fun he had, as well as how much he learned. He said Roland and Isabella helped him tremendously and asked when the next clinic was.” -Lindsay, from Pittsburgh, PA
“We loved the clinic! Roland and Brent were both very friendly, great teachers/coaches for the kids. It was special to get to see and touch their medals. We hope there will be more swim clinic/camps in the Phoenix area!” -Guylaine, from Anthem, AZ
“Roland Schoeman was an excellent Coach! He was engaging, enthusiastic, and he seemed to be trying to compliment each swimmer throughout the weekend. Excellent!” -Christie, from Mt Pleasant, SC
“Roland was amazing with the classes. He was thorough and paid attention to each and every swimmer. He was motivating and gave actionable input. Most, he was motivating. Our swimmer came away enthusiastic and wanting to do so much more. Thanks so much for this and a big thanks to Roland.” – Fairbanks, AK
