Houghton, MI (Feb. 16, 2011) – Olympic gold medalist Sheila Taormina, the only woman ever to have competed in four consecutive Summer Games in three different sports (swimming, triathlon and pentathlon), is bringing her unique experience and coaching to students, swimmers and triathletes in Houghton in April.
Taormina, who won gold in swimming at the Atlanta Olympic Games, will offer a clinic focused on the vital aspect of the freestyle stroke – the underwater high elbow catch position that is the source of propulsion for a swimmer. Through a mix of dryland and in-water work, participants in the 2.5-hour session on April 19 will understand first hand what it means to “feel” the water, as well as how to develop the strength and flexibility that is required for fast swimming.
The clinic is an excellent opportunity for swimmers of all levels as well as athletes working on their triathlon swimming for events like the Aspirus Keweenaw Copperman Triathlon 2011, or anyone looking to perfect their swimming stroke and get personalized coaching from one of the best swimmers and triathletes in the world.
The workshop, which is sponsored by UCanRow2 and the Houghton Schools, will be held at Houghton High School from 6-8:30 PM on April 19. Registration is limited to 20 participants and is being processed through imAthlete.com.
In addition to the clinic, Taormina, who speaks to school, community and business groups the world over, will speak to Houghton Middle School students on April 19 and will have an after school pool session for students. She will discuss how she became a champion by getting an education, making the most of her available (limited) resources and never giving up. Her story offers an important message of working hard and staying focused on your goals, as well as physical fitness and obesity prevention.
Houghton Swim Clinic
When: April 19, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Houghton High School, 1603 Gundlach Road
Houghton, MI 49931-2699
Cost: $85, register at https://imAthlete.com (includes a copy of Sheila’s book, Call the Suit)