Staff Profiles

Meet our coaches:

Anita is the owner and manager of H²O Swimming Works and has been involved in swimming for 45 years.  She was an elite Nationally ranked backstroker in her youth and formed her company in 1989. As well as an ASCTA Silver licensed coach she is an Austswim teacher and lecturer and has a Diploma in Teaching.  Her book ‘Mastering Swimming was the official text used for coaching courses for coaching adults.  She is widely known as one of the best stroke coaches in Australia and is a regular lecturer at the Victorian Coaches conference.  She has been a pioneer in the field of Masters Swimming holding the position of National Director of Coaching for many years.  She has twice been awarded the Aussi Masters Coach of the Year Trophy and the Australian Sports Medal for contributions to swimming.   Anita continues to swim for fitness and won medals at World Masters Games in 1984, 1986 and 1990.

Leana Fink has worked alongside Anita for the better part of 20 years when she began coaching upon completing year 12.  A former swimmer herself, she has a  wealth of experience in teaching and coaching at all levels within the H²O Program.  As well as a stint at Vicentre, Leana also has a background in myotherapy.  She is married with 3 children.

Arun Karunaratne was coached by Anita on the National Team in Sri Lanka.  He subsequently moved to Melbourne to train with Rohan Taylor and was selected to represent Sri Lanka in the Commonwealth Games.  He has worked as a teacher, teaching supervisor and coach at H²O for many years as well as coaching the National Age Team at Carey Aquatic.  Recently he married and has been travelling  overseas.  He has returned to Australia to take up a High School teaching position and we are delighted to have him return to coaching.

Adam Fergusson is a native of Burnie Tasmania.  Coaching is in his blood as his mother coached many National qualified swimmers including Adam.  Adam is passionate about swimming and moved to Melbourne to enable him to work full time in the industry.  He commenced with H²O 2 years ago and has worked as teacher, teaching supervisor, office manager and, of course, coach.

Adrian Hirsh (no photo yet!) has begun coaching in the H2O program last year.  He is passionate about swimming and continues to train in the H2O National Target squad.  His favorite stroke is Breaststroke.  Adrian is currently undertaking a Sports Science degree and teaches learn to swim for H2O as well as coaching.