The swimming fraternity was plunged into mourning on Monday following the passing of former national swim coach Edmund Pouchet. He was 77 years old and was a dialysis patient.
Pouchet’s love for the sport led him to create a family of top swimmers that includes Franz, Mark, Melissa, Renee, and Shawn Pouchet, the current president of the Aquatic Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT), all of whom represented the country at the national level.
In addition, the senior Pouchet ensured that the country was well represented through top names such as Shastri Roberts, Christian Homer, Cherelle Thompson, Zarek Wilson, and Caryl Blondell, among many others.
A release from ASATT on Monday said, “Today a stalwart in swimming in Trinidad and Tobago passed away. Edmund Pouchet served as head coach of many a Trinidad and Tobago National Swimming Team. He served as head coach of Blue Dolphins Swim Club, and in 2019 he was recognised with a National Award as he received the Humming Bird Medal Silver.
“Edmund’s legacy continues to live on in swimming as his children and grandchildren have represented and continue to represent Trinidad and Tobago as athletes and his children as national coaches. His son Shawn serves as the President of ASATT.
"This is a monumental loss to the sport, and this message cannot do justice to his impact on the sport. We extend our condolences to the entire Pouchet family.”
Mark, a sports journalist at the Trinidad Express Newspapers, described his father as a great coach and person who loved helping children get better and faster through swimming.
"He was strong-willed, competitive, opinionated and loved his family, especially his grandchildren, Issan, Zaid, Israelle and Asia-Marie, the junior," Mark said.
