Northern California is one of the most beautiful places on God’s green earth, so I was very excited when the BREAKout! Tour made a stop in the Bay Area!

I flew in a day early to hang out with my close friend, Ugur Taner! Ugur was my closest friend on the U.S. National Team. Born in Turkey, he swam for the Turkish team in the 1992 Olympics, and then represented Team USA from 1993-2000. Ugur is married to former National Team Member Liesl (Kolbisen) and they have three awesome kids! They live in Half Moon Bay, CA and run a very successful swim school there.

After a great visit with the Taners, I drove the next morning (June 16) from south San Francisco to Hercules, CA (just outside Oakland), the home of the East Bay Silver Dolphins!!!

“Super Swim Mom” Alida Birnam greeted me along with the other parents and swimmers. I quickly realized that Coach Chelsea and Coach Jody have done an excellent job teaching solid technique and inspiring great attitudes in their swimmers. All of the 60+ kids did an awesome job…listening and applying every tip and instruction. And as always, the kids and I had an awesome time racing! (more…)

It was great to be back in NY with the Monoe-Woodbury Marlins on June 3rd!!! Located an hour outside of NYC, this great swim club calls the town of Central Valley home.

Olympic Champion Kaitlin Sandeno joined me for this BREAKout! Clinic! She is a true professional and the kids always love working with her.

And I have to thank “Super Swim Mom” Denise Byrne! This clinic would not have been possible without her hard work and dedication. Denise is a true hero. She is a single mom who has inspired her son, Gregory, and the other swimmers of MWSC to pursue excellence in everything they do. Denise always sends me encouraging notes to report on how her swimmers continue to drop times and break records. Thank you, Denise! (more…)

I love the great people of Oklahoma! Even though my alma mater, the University of Texas, and the University of Oklahoma are longtime football rivals, the people in this state are some of the warmest and friendliest folks you’ll ever meet.

And the swimmers of Pryor, Oklahoma (outside of Tulsa) are no exception to this rule!

On June 5th, I led a clinic for the Boys & Girls Club of Green Country/Cherokee Nation!!!

One 13-year-old named Caitlin made a lasting impression on me. Her goal is promote the sport of swimming within her own Native American community, and to other Native American regions of Oklahoma. She is a true leader in her community. I know that Caitlin will be successful as she encourages other Native American young people to learn to swim. Thank you, Caitlin! We need more ambassadors like you! (more…)

I lived in Austin, TX for 13 years and it still one of my favorite cities on the whole planet! Great restaurants…great music…great stuff to do outdoors…and great SWIMMING!

And it’s exciting to see that Austin’s tradition of swimming excellence is not just at the University of Texas!

Under the inspired vision and leadership of Head Coach Mike Koleber, Club Nitro was formed about a year ago. They have been sharing pool space until just a few days ago when they opened up their brand new swim center in North Austin! Congratulations, Nitro!!!

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Well, summer is officially here!

I love this time year…I have so many fond memories of riding my bike to the pool every day during the summer and just swimming with my friends all day long. So, I feel pretty blessed to be able to still hang out at the pool all day long with my closest friends!

Unfortunately, planes have replaced my bike as the usual mode of transportation but occasionally I get the opportunity to lead a BREAKout! Clinic in my home city of San Antonio (Go Spurs!)…

One clinic on May 22nd was particularly special for me because it was the 1st clinic in which some of my own children actually participated!!! (more…)