Gerry Swan

Achievements:

• Outstanding Male Athlete (1966): Won the long jump and triple jump, and placed third in the 100 meters at Bermuda's first non-segregated inter-school sports track championships.

• First Bermudian to Exceed 50 Feet in Triple Jump (1973): Set a national record and won a silver medal at the Central America and Caribbean Senior Championships.

• Commonwealth Games Participant (1974, 1978): Competed in the triple jump, finishing 9th and 12th respectively.

• Canada Indoor Track and Field Championships (1979): Won both the long and triple jumps while representing the University of Alberta.

• Coach of Champions: Coached world champion Brian Wellman, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Clarence "Nicky" Saunders, and world silver medalist Troy Douglas.

• Dedication to Coaching: Accumulated over 32,000 hours of coaching during his career.

Biography:

Gerry Swan's journey from a talented athlete to an internationally acclaimed coach is a testament to his dedication and passion for track and field. Born and raised in Bermuda, Swan attended Central School (now Victor Scott) before moving on to The Berkeley Institute. Besides his prowess in track and field, Swan was also a skilled football and cricket player.

In 1966, he made his mark at Bermuda's first non-segregated inter-school sports track championships by winning the long jump and triple jump and placing third in the 100 meters. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Outstanding Male Athlete of the meet.

Swan's academic and athletic journey continued at St. Luke's College in Exeter, England, where he studied physical education. He represented the college in several prestigious meets, including the England AAU versus the Welsh AAU event to celebrate the Inauguration of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales.

In 1973, Swan became the first Bermudian to exceed the 50 feet mark in the triple jump and shortly after, he secured a silver medal at the Central America and Caribbean Senior Championships in Maracaibo, Venezuela. His international presence was further established with his participation in the Commonwealth Games in 1974 and 1978.

While pursuing his master's degree, Swan was the star athlete for the University of Alberta, winning both the long jump and triple jump at the Canada Indoor Track and Field Championships in 1979.

However, Swan's legacy is most profoundly felt through his coaching achievements. He has guided some of Bermuda's finest athletes to international success, including world champion Brian Wellman, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Clarence "Nicky" Saunders, and world silver medalist Troy Douglas.

Swan's dedication to coaching is unparalleled. He has spent more than 32,000 hours, the equivalent of 1,364 days, coaching athletes. This remarkable dedication was made possible with the support of his athletes, the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) president Simmons, and especially his wife Sharon and sons Gerry and Dube.

Reflecting on his coaching career, Swan said, "I really have enjoyed coaching. While demanding, it has been a pleasure. It has been extremely satisfying to see a number of athletes do well, not just in athletics but academically and professionally."

Legacy:

Gerry Swan's impact on Bermuda's track and field scene is immense. As a pioneering athlete and an exceptional coach, he has raised the bar for future generations. His commitment to the sport, his athletes, and his family exemplifies the qualities of a true sportsman. Swan's contributions have left an indelible mark on Bermuda's sports history, inspiring countless athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the field.