Max Polianski, Head Coach

Max Polianski, born in Russia in 1996, is a swim coach with a unique background. Having represented New Zealand in various competitions, Max transitioned from being a competitive swimmer to a dedicated mentor and advocate for the sport. His journey in swimming started at West Auckland Aquatics, before moving to United Swimming, and eventually leading him to the National High Performance Center. His dedication to the sport even took him to the USA, where he represented Florida State University to further develop his swimming career and education where he got his Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs.

Max's commitment to swimming goes beyond his personal achievements. He has been part of teams that have won against strong opponents, always emphasizing the importance of swimming with confidence, pride, and resilience. 

Max's love for swimming doesn't stop at the pool's edge. He runs a swimming page, @chlorinated_caffeinated, where he shares his knowledge and passion for the sport with a wider audience.

From 2020-2023, Max was the Junior Head Coach at United Swimming Club, where the club reached first place at multiple national events as the ‘Top Club’. As the new Head Coach at Parnell Swimming Club, Max brings his competitive experience and a family tradition in the swimming business. His coaching philosophy, shaped by his own experiences, emphasizes good technique, discipline, smart training, and the camaraderie of being part of a team.

Max is more than just a coach; he's a mentor, a motivator, and a role model for young swimmers. His appointment as Head Coach at Parnell Swimming Club is an exciting new chapter in the club's history, and he's eager to use his experience and passion for the sport to inspire the next generation of swimmers at Parnell Swimming Club.

Angus Waugbh: Junior Squad

Angus grew up in the Northeast of the UK, where his passion for swimming started early. Competing at a national level throughout his school years, Angus reached the pinnacle of success, even becoming the fastest swimmer in the UK at one point. Alongside his athletic achievements, Angus also excelled academically, balancing the challenges of competitive swimming with a drive to secure top grades.

At 18, Angus earned a place at the prestigious University of St Andrews, Scotland's top university, which was a significant personal milestone. While his parents relocated to New Zealand, Angus remained in the UK to complete his studies. During his time at university, Angus continued to pursue swimming, representing Scotland in competitions and taking on a leadership role as president of the swimming club. His dedication culminated in earning one of the highest grades in his year for his dissertation—a testament to his commitment to both his academic and athletic goals.

After graduation, Angus fulfilled a long-held dream by moving to New Zealand. Although his career initially led him into the insurance industry, Angus maintained his passion for swimming and found joy in mentoring and coaching. His journey into coaching is driven by a desire to share the lessons he learned through his own experiences—about discipline, resilience, and finding balance between personal and professional aspirations.

At Parnell Swimming Club, Angus brings a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience from both sides of the sport. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of technical development, mental toughness, and building confidence, both in and out of the pool. Angus believes in fostering a supportive environment where swimmers are encouraged to challenge themselves, set meaningful goals, and enjoy the journey.

With a deep passion for both swimming and education, Angus is excited to be part of the Parnell team, helping swimmers unlock their potential and develop the skills they need to thrive in the water and beyond.

Gabe Chiche : Junior Development

Parnell Swimming Club is thrilled to welcome a familiar and highly respected face back to our coaching team: Gabriel "Gabe" Chiche. Many of our families will remember Gabe from his successful tenure with us from 2021 to 2023, and we are delighted to have his expertise on the pool deck once again.

Gabe’s expertise is rooted in a lifelong dedication to the sport, which began in his home country of France. As a formidable athlete, he swam competitively at a national level, giving him an invaluable, first-hand understanding of the discipline, technique, and mindset required for high-performance swimming. Alongside his own athletic career, he began his coaching journey, holding key positions at competitive clubs in France.

Upon moving to New Zealand, Gabe quickly established himself as a leading coach, taking on senior roles at both Kings Swim Club and Kings Swim School before his initial appointment at Parnell.

Most recently, from 2023 to 2025, Gabe has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of swimmers at WaterLions Swim School. In his role there, he developed and ran their highly successful Swim Academy program, working closely with developing young competitive swimmers to build the foundational skills essential for a long and successful journey in the sport.

Gabe returns to Parnell with an even richer skill set. His coaching philosophy is built on a powerful combination of experience: the perspective of a national-level athlete, the technical knowledge of a senior coach, and a specialised expertise in nurturing talent from the ground up. He is passionate about creating technically proficient, confident, and motivated athletes.

For Fitness Coach LouLou Penman, Parnell Swimming Club isn’t just a workplace—it’s where her journey in the water began. Her story with the club started at the age of ten, where she joined as a young swimmer and quickly developed a deep love for the sport. As a dedicated member of our competitive squads, Lou spent her formative years in our lanes, honing the discipline and passion that would shape her future.

This lifelong dedication to swimming naturally led her to pursue a deeper understanding of the science behind athletic performance. After leaving Parnell, Lou is pursuing her studies at AUT where she is working on her degree in Exercise Science and Sport Management & Marketing. This academic foundation allowed her to turn her passion into a profession, equipping her with the expert knowledge to design and implement effective strength and conditioning programs.

While her competitive swimming days are behind her, Lou’s drive and athletic spirit are stronger than ever. She now channels her focus into the world of endurance sports, consistently pushing the boundaries of her own fitness. In her spare time, Lou can be found training for and competing in a formidable lineup of events, including half marathons, full marathons, triathlons, and the ultimate test of endurance, the Ironman.

At Parnell, Lou brings a unique and invaluable perspective. Having been a Parnell swimmer herself, she has an intrinsic understanding of the demands and challenges our athletes face. This first-hand experience, combined with her formal education and personal dedication to elite fitness, makes her the ideal coach to lead our fitness program. Her coaching philosophy is centered on building the essential physical foundation—strength, resilience, and power—that underpins success in the pool.

Lou is thrilled to be back on the pool deck, giving back to the community that shaped her and helping to develop the next generation of strong, well-rounded Parnell swimmers.