Coaches Reflect On Christmas Swimming Camp
Speaking after the Christmas Swimming Camp, national coaches Richard Goodwin and Ben Smith said: “We were very pleased with the outcome of 2 weeks of hard work at the BASA Annual Christmas Swimming Camp. The annual camp combines training sessions in the pool with challenging work outside of the pool.
“This year we attracted 54 swimmers to participate in different parts of the camp. Some did half days while others completed the entire programme. The participants ranged from 8 years old to 19 years old and all of the swimmers worked very hard in the sessions. The senior swimmers that participated in the full training camp swam as much as 12,000 meters per day over the 12 days of the camp.”
“On several days we had the help of Dominique Nanette and Baden Cashmore from Apex Physiotherapy taking the swimmers through strength and conditioning training for injury prevention and for strength improvement. The swimmers were also treated to a great motivational talk from Bermuda’s own Brian Wellman and his message was well received.
“Ashley Desilva from BSADA came and gave the swimmers a presentation on anti-doping and drug free sport that helped to reinforce the goals of BASA. With all the physical work and mental preparation that the athletes went through during the camp it was fitting to finish on Saturday with an end of camp swim meet.”
“Most of the swimmers were sore and tired after the previous days of challenging work but we experienced some very strong swims that have made us, as National Coaches, enthusiastic about what we will see from all levels of swimming in 2013. There were 41 personal best times swum at the meet with many swimmers hitting two PB’s in the 2 events that they entered.
“Skyler Powell hit two personal best times and was able to reach an A time in the 200 free which means she will be getting an invitation to the BASA swim training squad in 2013. Jack Harvey will be joining her at early morning practice in 2013 with his A time coming in the 50 back. Jessie Bruton was also able to hit two personal best times and both times are new age group records in the 8 and under group.”
Richard Goodwin said: “The results from all the swimmers and especially these three shows what happens when you work hard. My choice for junior swimmer of the camp was Skyler Powell and her making the BASA training squad is well deserved.”
Coach Smith said “The senior swimmers had some great races at the meet and it was good to have Benedict Parfit, Andrew Beveridge and Nic Patterson on island to race against our swimmers that have been working hard in the local pool over the season. My choice of senior swimmer of the camp was easy even though she is only 12 years old – Maddie “Blue” Moore worked hard throughout the camp and was the only swimmer to participate in the entire programme.
“Her hard work over the 12 days was rewarded with two personal best swims in the 100 free and 100 back. Her 100 free swim of 1:01.96 replaces Ashley Yearwood’s 11-12 record and sets her up very well for the upcoming 2013 Carifta Swimming Championships. We are always happy when the swimmers that have been making the sacrifice and putting in the extra effort are rewarded with the improvement in time.”
Coach Smith closed by saying: “The pool will be closing on December 31st as the resurfacing project takes place for the month of January. In February we will be back to racing and we will be looking for more people to qualify for Carifta as others look to improve as they prepare for the Island Games. Both Coach Goodwin and myself would like to thank the many sponsors, volunteers and supporters for all of their help in 2012, and we look forward to another successful year in 2013.”
The full results of the swim meet are here [PDF]
