An Olympic legend will be Shasta College’s next swim coach.
The two-year college in Redding announced Friday that 11-time Olympic medalist Matt Biondi will be the Knights’ next coach.
Biondi will succeed Mark Wagner, who also coached the Redding Swim Team Ducks and has announced his retirement. Biondi also will take the helm of the Ducks’ team.
“Mark has given so much to our athletes and our community,” Shasta College Athletic Director Mike Mari said in a news release. “Having Matt step into this role honors that legacy while launching us into a bold new era of excellence.”
Biondi is considered one of the sport’s greatest swimmers. His career includes eight Olympic gold medals, two silver and one bronze medal, 24 U.S. championships, and 13 NCAA championships in swimming.
He won seven medals, including five gold medals at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Shasta College said Biondi will start in early August.
“I’ve been fortunate to experience the highest levels of competition,” Biondi said in the news release, “but the most meaningful moments of my career have come from helping young people realize their potential.”
He said he is honored and is eager to lead the Knights’ and Ducks’ programs.
“I look forward to building a program that’s grounded in hard work, integrity, and joy in the water,” he said.
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery.)
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly “Buzz on the Street” column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on X, formerly Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: 11-time Olympic medalist Matt Biondi new swim coach at Shasta College
Reporting by David Benda, Redding Record Searchlight / Redding Record Searchlight
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