Swimming coach David Bolling passes away

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –  David Bolling, a former Sri Lanka swimmer and founder of the Bolling Swimming Academy at Gymkhana Club passed away on Wednesday.

David is the brother of Olympian Julian Bolling and son of coach Tara Bolling.

He won a gold medal in the 1500m freestyle at the Indo–Bangladesh–Sri Lanka Triangular Aquatic Meet in 1980, the year he won the National championship.

In 1981, under the guidance of his former coach, E. G. A. Wilson, he commenced a coaching career at Royal College where he coached until 1985. He also coached Army.

David is one of the celebrated Bolling brothers besides Jeremy and Julian, to represent Royal College and later Sri Lanka and earn a reputation in swimming.

He has been the national champion for many years in the Men’s 1500m Freestyle event before a shoulder injury put a premature end to his competitive swimming career.

Later he took up coaching and founded the Rainbow Swimming Aquatic Club with his father Ralph Bolling and mother Tara Bolling in 1988.

Later in 2001 he joined hands with his younger brother Julian, to form the Rainbow Swimming Academy and in 2008 founded the Bolling Swimming Academy, where he was the Director and Chief Instructor.

Early in February this year, David’s brother Jeremy passed away. His mother Tara Bolling passed away in August 2017.

David’s remains lie at his residence at 5th Lane, Colombo 3, and the funeral will take place today. (DN)