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‘You have to be careful not to pressure kids’ – father coaches teenager to success ahead of frigid Hong Kong swim

Kenneth Thorley coaches his son, Bill, to open water victories but walks the line between pressure and enjoyment in the build-up to the Cold Half Extreme Marathon Swim

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Bill and Kenneth Thorley – Ken coaches his son in open water swimming but balances pushing him and making sure he has fun. Photos: Handout

Swimming 15 kilometres from Stanley to Deep Water Bay in the week Hong Kong experiences record low temperatures does not sound like fun. But Kenneth Thorley says fun is the whole point.

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Thorley coaches his 16-year-old son, Bill, as the youngster progresses through the open water swimming world.

Bill is experiencing a run of success and on January 26 won gold at the Australian Championships 7.5km – but even as his open water resume becomes more impressive, Kenneth works hard not to take it too seriously.

“It is a challenge mentally because you have to be very careful about what you say and do,” Kenneth said.

“There is a tendency for parents to put pressure on their children. The most important thing when coaching kids is making sure it stays fun.”

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Kenneth Thorley and his son, Bill.
Kenneth Thorley and his son, Bill.
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