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2001 CSI Elite Training Camp
Olympic Training Center, Colorado
-Submitted by Head Coach Sara Massa.
What a wonderful trip we had to the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs! I had the pleasure to take 16 fantastic individuals, who also happen to be very talented and hard working swimmers. Having qualified and earned a spot for this trip, the swimmers responded by giving top effort in training, taking full advantage of the incredible learning opportunities offered to us, and bonded together as a Connecticut team that made us very proud.
After a long day of travel, we arrived at the OTC and unpacked quickly, got a feel for the layout, grabbed some lunch, and headed over to the pool. We were scheduled for two 2-hour practices daily, one in the morning and one in the evening. We were all tired but excited by the end of that first day. Day two found us in the pool first thing in the morning, lunch, off to the flume, followed immediately by a seminar on nutrition, back for the second practice, dinner and then a GREAT game of team laser tag. The swimmers discovered that the flume is hard work and quite a unique experience. As they swim in the flume, they are videotaped from a frontal and side camera position. Each swimmer was provided with their own tape to return home with to view with their coaches. In addition to the flume taping, we were able to have the swimmers taped with an underwater tape in all four of their stroke at another practice session. Starting the second day and throughout several practices, we utilized the towing harness. This is a training technique that allows the swimmer to experience swimming at world record pace. Day three started out again with practice, lunch, a hailstorm that was impressive, and a trip to the Caves of the Winds (up in the mountains). The view was awesome, and I think our tour guide probably wanted to quit after having our crew, but a good time was had by all. Then it was back to practice, dinner and a relaxing evening with a movie. Day four…. practice of course started the day. After lunch we headed to the Garden of the Gods at the base of the mountains. We did this on horseback! Our talent was more evident in the pool than on the horses, but we had a blast. Back for practice, dinner, a team “ pizza party “, packing and up at 4:30AM to head off to the airport.
We wish we could share with everyone the fun we had. As coaches, we can not possibly put into words how wonderful these kids were to be with, and how they made this camp experience work to the fullest advantage. Plus, the OTC staff was so helpful and pleasant to work with. We had INCREDIBLE food, were inspired by the presence of a variety of incredible athletes from various sports, and were very aware of the “ feeling “ that the OTC provides that you are among future and past Olympians. We came away inspired, motivated and very aware of the wonderful experiences and opportunities that our sport offers. We urge all of you swimmers out there to keep this camp in mind when you set your goals. It is an opportunity that is there waiting, and Connecticut Swimming will certainly gain in strength as more of you participate in the sport and go on to experience these camps.
~
Accompanying Sara as coaches were Bill Ball, (UAC), Nick Cavataro (GYWD) and as manager, photographer, accountant, purchasing agent, etc., etc. was Kathy Walsh (NCY).
Thanks to the USA Swimming personnel, Cindy Hayes and Jennifer, plus all the OTC personnel for making our camp a success.
Photographs- thanks Kathy!