Hartland, WI
What an exciting past weekend. This trip was a special weekend for me. I asked my son to travel with me to the clinic. Before I headed to you guys in WI, I had to make a stop in Vail, CO. I know…it’s a rough job but someone’s got to do it! I had the privilege to speak to a group of Orthopedic surgeons. I hope I inspired them to keep pursuing excellence in their field of work. I’m sure there are a lot of you swimmers out there who have benefited from great Orthopedic surgeons.
But I must confess, my goal in the swimming community is to put these guys out of business!! Great stroke technique will almost 99% of the time keep you from needed shoulder repair. Of course this wasn’t’ my message to the group but I couldn’t help but think of this in the back of my mind. J I won’t to visit every club in America teaching you to swim with the ULTIMATE technique.
Well, after a couple of runs on the slopes, I was off to Lake Country Swim Team to teach you guys how to AVOID shoulder injuries by having GREAT technique! I went from snowy Colorado to the biggest snow flakes I’ve ever seen!
I arrived the night before the clinic and joined my awesome host family, Ruth Ann & her husband Tony, to an annual Christmas party for the swim parents. Now, this is a perfect example of how the sport of swimming cultivates and nurtures life-long relationships! It was so cool. I hope more swim parents can experience these cool socials. I know my parents did! My parents were always looking for reasons to throw a party. Maybe that’s way I’ve grown up loving parties and people. I can’t wait until this summer one of the biggest events of the year! You don’t want to miss it. You’ve got to get to Omaha in June!!!!! Who knows…maybe we can throw a BREAKout! party. I’ll be there.
After the party, I was off to bed. The next day Davis Tarwater saved the day. Ben-Wildman-Tobriner, who was scheduled to join me, tore his pectoralis muscle and was rushed to surgery. Ben has clocked the fastest time in the 50 free this year and we know this has to be frustrating leading into the Trials this summer. Everyone keep Ben in your prayers for a quick recovery and victory over discouragement during the next couple of weeks of rehab.
But Davis, who has been the College 200 Fly Champion 2 years in a row, didn’t disappoint! Davis has been on the USA team for five years and is positioning himself to make the Olympic Team in June.
During our story time, I was surprised by Davis when he said that 10 years ago at the age of 14, I spoke to a select camp at the Olympic Training Center and he said after I spoke…he thought, “Why not me?” If Josh can do it, why can’t I?
What a great guy. I really enjoy my friendship with Davis. I know Lake Country swim team will be cheering him on this summer.
How cool is that! Just think…Lake Country swimmers…this might be you one day! Maybe you might be the Olympian giving back saying, “One day when Josh Davis came to my club,” I thought, “Why not me?”
I hope this is true! It would make my day to know that you guys are inspired you to Dream it…Believe it…and BREAKout!!
I want to especially thank Ruth Ann and Tony for hosting me. Their son Matt was a great friend to my son Caleb and we had a blast.
Congrats to Stephanie and Murray for winning Streamline award.
Spirit award went to Matt & Allie. Keep up the great work you guys!
