SYDNEY: World 100-metre freestyle champion swimmer James Magnussen is gambling on a new coach taking him to Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 after parting ways with his long-time mentor Brant Best.

The 23-year-old Australian successfully defended his title at the world championships in Barcelona last year but missed out on gold in the blue riband sprint at the 2012 Olympics in London by a fingertip.

“Brant has been such an important part of my journey as a professional swimmer, and in shaping me as person,” Magnussen said on Tuesday.

“Those things combined have made this decision incredibly difficult.

“As I launch into this next competitive block, I have resolved that in order to refocus my programme, and to achieve a sense of renewed invigoration, part of that change process involves working with a new coach.”

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014