Maik Mahadeo-Diercks
HEAD COACH
MAIK MAHADEO-DIERCKS has been coaching privately and for various schools and clubs for more than 20 years, and founded MMD Aquatics in 2020. He has supported dozens of athletes in their swimming journeys, be it competing internationally, achieving a bucket list dream, or simply learning to swim and feel confident in the water.
Maik, who swam for the German National team for three years, holds a Masters degree in Sports Science, various coaching qualifications, as well as Level 2 First Aid Qualification.
Some of Maik’s coaching highlights include:
Technical Coach for Daniel Hammerson (6 times finalist at the Maccabi Games in 2017)
Technique consulting support for Walmers and Trafalger swimmers in collaboration with coaches (2008 to present).
Coaching of Arafat Gatabazi a refugee boy from the homestead, from zero base to swimming Robben Island within 11 months (2013 to 2014). Voted by the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA) open water swimmer of the year 2014 for his achievement.
Coaching Alexander Scalebrino, taking him from being ranked 110th in South Africa in the 100m Freestyle to 6th (2008 to 2010).
Jesse van der A. technical coach, 2022 Dutch National Championship 50m Freestyle, more results: https://www.worldaquatics.com/athletes/1202357/jesse-van-der-a
Technique coaching of Theodore Yach (100 times Robben Island crossing) resulting in time and technique improvement (2008 to 2009). Refer Chapter 9, Stroke in his book “In My Element” for commentary on his experience with me.
Part time swimming coach at the Reddam school, Greenpoint. Private coaching of 2 students who subsequently qualified for the Nationals (2005 to 2006).
Swimming Head Coach Deutsche Schule Kapstadt (2019 to present)
Coach of 5 times South African and 1 World Record in Free Diving record, SA Freediving Champ 2018: Talia Davidoff (June 2017 to present )
Maik, who swam for the German National team for three years, holds a Masters degree in Sports Science, various coaching qualifications, as well as Level 2 First Aid Qualification.
Some of Maik’s coaching highlights include:
Technical Coach for Daniel Hammerson (6 times finalist at the Maccabi Games in 2017)
Technique consulting support for Walmers and Trafalger swimmers in collaboration with coaches (2008 to present).
Coaching of Arafat Gatabazi a refugee boy from the homestead, from zero base to swimming Robben Island within 11 months (2013 to 2014). Voted by the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA) open water swimmer of the year 2014 for his achievement.
Coaching Alexander Scalebrino, taking him from being ranked 110th in South Africa in the 100m Freestyle to 6th (2008 to 2010).
Jesse van der A. technical coach, 2022 Dutch National Championship 50m Freestyle, more results: https://www.worldaquatics.com/athletes/1202357/jesse-van-der-a
Technique coaching of Theodore Yach (100 times Robben Island crossing) resulting in time and technique improvement (2008 to 2009). Refer Chapter 9, Stroke in his book “In My Element” for commentary on his experience with me.
Part time swimming coach at the Reddam school, Greenpoint. Private coaching of 2 students who subsequently qualified for the Nationals (2005 to 2006).
Swimming Head Coach Deutsche Schule Kapstadt (2019 to present)
Coach of 5 times South African and 1 World Record in Free Diving record, SA Freediving Champ 2018: Talia Davidoff (June 2017 to present )
Sporting Achievements of coach Maik
– Representing Germany (+/- 1999 to 2002)
– Participant in the World Cup Series (+/- 1998 to 2004)
Scholarship offers from 6 US Universities (+/- 1998 to 2001)
– Trained at 3 Olympic Centre’s (high performance aquatics center) (1992 to 2005)
– Working experience at high performance aquatic centers, coordinating of galas and training schedules (1992 to 2005)
Education:
– Maik holds a Masters in Sports Science (Swimming, Sports Marketing and Management)
– Swim SA Coaching Certificate, Cape Town, SA
– RPL Level 1 Coaching, April 2017
– Level 2 First Aid 2023
– FINA Online Clinic for Swimming Coaches Intermediate Level Certificate 2020
– WOWSA course Open Water Swimming Coach 2023
Founder of MMD Aquatics: 2020
– Representing Germany (+/- 1999 to 2002)
– Participant in the World Cup Series (+/- 1998 to 2004)
Scholarship offers from 6 US Universities (+/- 1998 to 2001)
– Trained at 3 Olympic Centre’s (high performance aquatics center) (1992 to 2005)
– Working experience at high performance aquatic centers, coordinating of galas and training schedules (1992 to 2005)
Education:
– Maik holds a Masters in Sports Science (Swimming, Sports Marketing and Management)
– Swim SA Coaching Certificate, Cape Town, SA
– RPL Level 1 Coaching, April 2017
– Level 2 First Aid 2023
– FINA Online Clinic for Swimming Coaches Intermediate Level Certificate 2020
– WOWSA course Open Water Swimming Coach 2023
Founder of MMD Aquatics: 2020
Thabiso Molefi Clement
Learn to Swim Coach
Thabiso joined MMD Aquatics in November 2023 and brings over a decade of swimming experience to the team. With 11 years in the water, swimming has been more than a sport for Thabiso — it’s a life-changing passion. His journey has helped shape his character, connect with others, and explore different sports. He is a certified Learn to Swim (LTS) Coach and also holds a First Aid Level 1 certification.