Holy Innocents' Swim Coaches Double as Stuntmen

Two Holy Innocents’ Middle School swimming and diving coaches have proven they can do more than turn somersaults and perform tricks off of a board. They also do stunts for television, movies and commercials as well.

Niko Dalman and Kent De Mond are valuable new members to the Sandy Springs schools’ swim program and both obviously bring versatile resumes to HIES. Both came up as springboard and platform divers – Niko attended LSU on a diving scholarship while Kent ended up a three-time All-American at Princeton.

After college, Niko began his coaching career where he had successful stints at the University of Idaho and the University of San Diego.

Afterwards, the swim paths began arcing toward the stunt world.

“Kent and I did the stunts in dolphin shows at SeaWorld for about four years out west,” Niko said. “This later evolved into doing stunts for the Olympics and commercials.”

The two moved to Atlanta not long after, as the rising movie industry here was a big lure. They have thrived in their stunt careers since - Kent has enjoyed such TV roles as The Walking Dead, Constantine, The Originals and Sleepy Hollow. As for films, he has had parts in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Shadow, and Captain America: Civil War.

Niko is known for his work on The Divergent Series: Allegiant (2016), Whitefire (2013) and Shadow (2016).

Kent was also a finalist in the 2004 Olympic Trials in the 10-meter platform synchronized diving event. He joined the cliff diving international circuit in 2008, placing fourth in the World Cup Circuit and has competed all across Europe, the U.S. and Turkey, Mexico and Easter Island.

Both have been big assets to the HIES swim program in the early going.

“I love giving back to the sport by coaching the kids here,” Niko said. “I want to help them and let them know they can have similar paths into college if they so choose.”

The Middle School team enjoyed a successful 2015 season that ended this weekend.

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