Gunnedah swimmers had a phenomenal week of training, team bonding and social activities on their annual Gold Coast camp which left a long-lasting impression on the squad.
Thirty children attended the elite camp at the Gold Coast Performance Centre at Runaway Bay, where they took part in an action-packed six-day program that involved intensive pool training sessions, racing skills and fun-filled adventures where new friends and life-long memories were made.
Swimming Gunnedah vice-president and camp organiser Aaron Smith rated it as “the most successful camp we’ve had to date”.
“It tested their resilience in the pool and their social skills, and the kids were extremely well behaved,” he said.
This year’s camp included swimmers from other clubs from the Hunter region up to Casino on the North Coast. Twice daily pool sessions consisted of many drills, and underwater video footage was taken for the first time so the children and head coach Colin Marley could review technique.
“Both the kids and the coach loved it because a lot of the kids are visual learners and we could see their streamlines, high elbow catch and how they are breathing. That was a new thing this year and it was a great success,” Smith said.
Team building was a huge focus, with swimmers enjoying an exhilarating experience on a giant inflatable water-based obstacle course at the Gold Coast Aqua Park, as well as an exciting laser tag skirmish (where the adults joined in), volleyball, the movies and a visit to Main Beach.
They also took part in strength and conditioning classes, dryland training and fun novelty relays, and they braved the shivering waters of ice baths for muscle recovery.
A highlight of the camp was an inspirational visit to powerhouse Brisbane swim club St Peters Western, where the group was given exclusive access to the 25m and 50m pools.
The group saw Australian swim coach Dean Boxall and Olympians stretching and warming up, including Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Kai Taylor and Elijah Winnington along with rising French swimming star and Olympic gold medallist Leon Marchand.
Gunnedah swimmers watched the Senior National Age squad train, and they listened to a talk by head coach Cameron Gledhill about the club structure, training schedules, stretching and the importance of drills and technique before speed.
The group then observed a training session with the Junior National Age squad that is coached by Rio Games Olympian Jacob Hansford and includes Gunnedah swimmers Jacob Smith and Molly Ramien who were training on the day.
Hansford spoke about his career in swimming, the Olympics, his squad swim sets and advice on racing, along with the highs and lows of competitive swimming and how he brings that experience to his coaching.
St Peters then provided a barbecue breakfast.
“We were very, very lucky to visit St Peters Western,” Smith said.
“They don’t open their doors to outsiders.
“The last time was during the Paris blackout session in May last year.
“They don’t allow other clubs, people or the media in but with our ties to the club, we were lucky enough to be given that opportunity.
“It was also pleasing to see our swimmers watch the drills, the level of skills, how the sessions flow and how that is reflected in what Colin is doing in the pool with our kids.”
Smith praised the club committee for the enormous effort in organising the event. He also credited the tireless support of parent volunteers on the camp, including Corrinne Mainey, Erin Shorter, Colleen Callaghan, head coach Colin Marley and assistant coaches Dan Ramien and himself.