Swimmer Park to resume training with Australian coach Bohl
Korean swimming star Park Tae-hwan said Thursday he will continue to train with his Australian coach of almost three years.
Returning from Brisbane, Park told reporters at Incheon International Airport that he will retain his coach, Michael Bohl, as he prepares to resume training.
Park's formal contract with Bohl expired after the end of the London Olympics in August. The following month, Park's management agency, SK Telecom, opted not to extend its deal with Park after their five-year partnership ended.
The 23-year-old swimmer flew to Australia earlier this week to discuss his future plans with Bohl, who had been reportedly approached by Chinese swimmers but who had intended to wait to hear Park's plans before making up his mind.
"I'd like to thank coach Bohl for accepting my proposal to train together again, despite getting offers from China," said Park, a two-time world champion and an Olympic gold medalist in 400-meter freestyle. "I don't have specific plans at this point, but I will travel to Australia sometime early next year."
As Park eyes the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, west of Seoul, retaining Bohl's guidance will be critical. The Australian coach, who has worked with Australian stars such as Stephanie Rice, is largely credited with turning around Park's career in 2010.
Park first made an international splash by winning the men's 400ｍ freestyle at the 2007 world championships. A year later, he captured gold in the 400ｍ and silver in 200ｍ freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He was humbled at the 2009 world championships, however, as he failed to make the finals in all three of the races he entered.
Park then recruited Bohl's help in January 2010 and their work paid dividends in November that year with Park's three gold medals and seven medals overall at the Guangzhou Asian Games.
In 2011, Park won his second world title in 400ｍ free, and added two more Olympic silver medals in 2012.
Park, who is enrolled in a graduate school as a physical education major, said he plans to stay in school while he pursues athletic goals. He said Bohl encouraged him to try to enjoy both his academic and athletic career.
"I'd been stressed out quite a bit, and meeting coach Bohl helped me get over that," Park said. "I'd like to thank him for helping me become more positive."
With Bohl back in tow, Park said he will enter the pool with a renewed focus.
"I haven't broken any world records, and once I resume training, I think I will have new goals that I want to accomplish," the swimmer said. "I will try to put on good races at the Incheon Asian Games."
One of the country's most recognizable athletes, Park remains the only South Korean with Olympic swimming medals.