Marco Bellardi

Coach Marco Bellardi is a world-class swim coach, educator, and former elite athlete with over two decades of experience guiding swimmers from their first strokes to the international stage—including Olympic-level competition for Venezuela, Panama, and El Salvador in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

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In 2024, Marco joined Paseo Aquatics as Head Age Group Coach, where he works closely with Head Coach Chris Dahowski to develop and oversee the club’s comprehensive age group program. He brings with him a powerful blend of technical mastery, biomechanical expertise, and deep mentorship. Marco is known for creating a high-performance yet deeply nurturing environment, helping swimmers thrive both in and out of the water.

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Marco’s coaching résumé includes serving as Head Coach for the Venezuelan National Team, where he led athletes at prestigious international events such as CCCAN, UANA, and multiple Olympic-cycle training camps. He also served as Head Coach of Venezuela’s Youth Open Water Team at the World Championships in Niagara, a pivotal step on the Olympic development path. Marco has successfully coached national champions, Junior Olympic qualifiers, and international medalists—yet he remains equally passionate about teaching the fundamentals to new swimmers.

 

His academic foundation is exceptional. Marco holds:

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• A B.A. in Physical Education (2005)

• A Master’s Degree in Swimming Biomechanics (2013)

• A Master’s Degree in Teaching Physical Education (2011)
  All earned with Honorable Mention from the prestigious Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador in Caracas. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Sport Physiology and has presented at national and international conferences on swimming, biomechanics, and youth athletic development.

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In the U.S., Marco has held key positions at:

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• Canyons Aquatics, CA – Head Age Group Coach (2022–2024)

• Midtown Weston Aquatics, FL – Head Coach (2018–2022)
  He has coached at premier meets such as Speedo Sectionals, Junior Olympics, the Mesa Grand Prix, and Florida Gold Coast Championships, and has been selected to lead All-Star and Open Water Zone teams multiple times.

 

Marco’s coaching philosophy centers on patient progress, strong fundamentals, and unwavering encouragement. His mantra, “Little by little, a little becomes a lot,” guides swimmers to embrace the daily work it takes to reach their big dreams. He leads by example—through discipline, compassion, and joy.

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Outside the pool, Marco is a dedicated father of two, a seasoned Ironman triathlete and marathon runner, and a lifelong learner who brings heart and humility to everything he does. His influence reaches far beyond medals, shaping young athletes into resilient, confident individuals ready to succeed in sport and life.​

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Paseo Aquatics Adds Coach Marco Bellardi To Lead New International Training Program