If success breeds success, the swimmers who took part in the Brent Hayden swim camp, Sunday, should have a competitive edge in the approaching summer swim season.
Hayden was the world co-champion in 2007, and the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in the 100-metre freestyle. He grew up in Mission — but his history in the sport has a Hope connection, as he and his Mission Marlins club competed against Dan Sharrers’ Hope Otters at the old Centennial Pool. During his visit to the Hope RiverMonsters’ inaugural meet in 2017, Hayden donated the trophy he won here in the 1990s.
RiverMonsters club president, Catherine Freimark said on Sunday, “Brent is so happy that his trophy is being displayed in our new case, which was funded by a donation from the Sharrers family.”
The case is near the entrance to the pool viewing-deck and former Otter executive member, Keren Hasell, was on hand for the unveiling, last Thursday. Freimark said that Barb Sharrers was unable to attend.
Hayden and his wife, Nadina Zarifeh, led two swimming sessions, as well as a dry land class attended by swimmers and parents.
“In the morning, they had two hours in the pool,” said Freimark. “They started out by counting the strokes it took each swimmer to swim 50 metres.”
After coaching tips and practice, the results were impressive.
“The average reduction was four strokes, meaning there was a lot less energy being expended,” said Freimark.
“Then we went upstairs for a inspirational talk,” she added. “One of the things he told the kids was, ‘You don’t have to wait for other people to believe in you — you have to believe in yourself.’ “
The talk also touched on topics in Hayden’s Swimmer’s Workbook for Success that outlines goal setting, healthy self-talk, visualization, how to fail successfully, nutrition tips, and self-assessment.
The afternoon swim concentrated on starting blocks and turns to shave time off key components of most races.
At the close of the camp, Hayden shared a personal message with the RiverMonsters ahead of them going into their fourth season.
“Do your best and have fun,” he said. “That’s what my dad always said, right from the beginning.”
“It’s the only sport that can save your life,” Hayden also added. “It teaches goal-setting and accountability.”
“And,” added Zarifeh, “studies have shown that it’s good for brain development. Swimmers are smarter!” she enthused.
RiverMonsters coach, Mike Freimark said the club has more than a month off after completing their second Winter-fit session. The BC Summer Swimming Association allows coached practices to begin on May 1.
“It looks like we’ll be going for three days a week for practices,” he said. “Last year, it was only the train-to-train swimmers that did three days, but the executive decided that everybody would go to three this year.”
The young Mini-Monsters will have half-hour sessions and the rest will swim for a full hour.
“We’re still waiting for an assistant coach, because I can’t do three days,” said Freimark, whose main job is assistant manager for the FVRD’s Recreation, Culture & Airpark Services.
“We haven’t opened up registration yet,” he added, “but we’re looking at 30 swimmers this year, up from 27 last year.”
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