Carlile Foundation Director Richard Cahalan has been inducted into the Australian Swim Schools Association Hall of Fame.
Richard, inducted in the legend’s category is the fifth Carlile representative to join this elite group. Naturally, founders Forbes and Ursula Carlile were the first, followed by Carlile head of curriculum Dave Dubois, then Foundation Director John Coutts.
Richard’s induction was held at a glittering ceremony at the ASSA conference which was a huge night for Carlile with Caringbah being named the fastest growing centre in Australia and the Learning Development team’s Peter Kennedy and Tash Foley finalists in two other categories.
Richard Cahalan is by any measure a legend of the learn to swim industry, born to the sea he quickly fell in love with the water and was coached by the iconic Terry Gathercole – he would go on to become Australian Dolphin number 291 with his debut at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games
Following Brisbane came a life changing journey to the United states colleague system, where post his swimming career Richard became the youngest head coach in NCAA history.
He also met wife Patty and established his first swim school in Miami before returning to Australia and joining Forbes and Ursula Carlile.
Richard is a trail blazer happy to share his knowledge with the industry, helping build Carlile from three pools to a swim school at the hub of 31 facilities across the country employing more than 1800 team members.
Richard has supported and help grow the industry across the globe, turning what was once a cottage industry to one that now has multiple career pathways. He also helped build the Rainbow Club’s swim the rainbow program and supported the not for profit with free pool space to teach children with disabilities.
His support and guidance of the Carlile foundation saw the swim team regain the number one age group ranking in Australia a for the first time in 36 years. Still his greatest achievement is helping tens of thousands of children to learn to swim well – an asset for life.
Carlile congratulations Richard Cahalan on his induction to the Hall of Fame.
