KUALA LUMPUR — Former Malaysian diving technical director Bryan Nickson Lomas has been appointed as coach for South Korea’s national diving team, a move he says was too rare an opportunity to pass up.
Speaking to Scoop, the three-time Olympian said, “South Korea rarely hires foreign coaches, so when the opportunity arose, I grabbed it.”
“I also feel like this is my time to gain coaching experience abroad. This will be a good challenge for me,” he said.
His contract with Korea Aquatics runs until the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
“Yes, for now, my contract with them is until the 2026 Asian Games,” he confirmed.
Korea Aquatics, the country’s national governing body, also announced his appointment on their socials, highlighting his extensive experience.
“Our federation has recently appointed Bryan Nickson Anak Lomas, a foreign coach with over 12 years of experience as a member of the Malaysian national team in international competitions,” read a statement on Korea Aquatics’ Instagram page.
“Coach Bryan competed in three Olympic Games from 2004 to 2012 and took part in seven Southeast Asian (SEA) Games from 2005 to 2011. After working as a diving judge in Malaysia and gaining coaching experience, he has been serving as the diving technical director for the Malaysia Swimming Federation since early 2023.
“With his leadership, the South Korean diving team has now been fully formed, comprising 12 members, including coaches and divers.
“We hope for your support as this newly completed team works towards its goals at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.”
Bryan is only the second Malaysian former diver to be hired abroad, following Wendy Ng’s appointment in January as Singapore Aquatics’ talent development coach. – March 25, 2025