Apart from sports fans with a real interest in swimming few would possibly know who Rocco Meiring is and that is how he prefers things to be.

The World Championship 200m-breaststroke silver medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker's coach prefers never to be the frontman, but facts can't be ignored; that is why he has been nominated for SA Sports Award coach of the year. The Tuks swimmer is in contention for the female sports star of the year award.

Justly so. Schoenmaker's performance is, without a doubt, one of the most significant breakthroughs in South African female sport in the last few years. Schoenmaker is the first-ever local female swimmer to medal at a long course (50m) championship. Kaylene Corbett (Tuks) who finished eighth in the same final is also being coached by Meiring.

The Tuks swimming coach admits being caught slightly off guard with what happened during the World Championship.

"I am not an old hand in the world of international swimming coaching so I cannot pretend Tatjana winning a silver medal is not something fantastic but I have to stay grounded."

Meiring is at his happiest to be next to a swimming pool helping swimmers realise their dreams.  It does not matter which swimmer. It could be a nine-year-old winning a medal in her age group during a school gala or Schoenmaker competing at a world championship.

"I try and make everyone I coach understand that is their journey, not mine. My only role is to help them. It is about adding value."

Since 2017 Schoenmaker has medalled at each of the major international swimming galas, she competed at. She is also continually getting faster. In 2017 her best in the 200m breaststroke was 2:24.61. Last year it was 2:22.02. Now during the World Championships in Korea, she swam 2:21.79.

Meiring ascribes her success to absolute trust, respect and a good understanding between the two of them.

"I guess it boils down to honest communication. Each of us got to understand our role. There can only be one main actor in the whole process. It is Tatjana," explains the Tuks coach.

"My challenge is is to see whether I can help her to become better. If I can't, I got to be honest and take it on the chin and tell her. The reality is that yesterday's 'homerun' does not win tomorrow's game."

There is a lot of expectation for Schoenmaker to medal during next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"From a training level whatever we did, we are striving to do better. I had Tatjana's race performances during the World Student Games, World Championships and World Cup in July analysed so I know what her shortcomings are.

"It is clear what needs to be done to ensure she will be more competitive during the Games. From a mental perspective, we are obviously trying to keep the pressure off. It helps that Tatjana has already qualified."