For the first time in my life, I went to camp this summer; Swimming camp that is! Now, that may not be a big deal for most kids but for a 52 year old masters swimmer, (who less then 2 years ago was reintroduced back to swimming after 32 years), that’s a big deal.

My swimming career wasn’t much in the first place. I never swam in college and progressed modestly in high school. What made this week even more special and exciting was that I spent it with Gary Hall Jr. – a three time Olympian, and his “Race Club” crew which included another Olympian, Coach – John Olsen and Andy our inspirational strength and fitness coach, Steve our friendly New Zealand helper (and family friend) and the whole Hall family.

Without making this story sound like an advertisement, which, undoubtedly it will, from the time I arrived on Sunday and left on Saturday, it far exceeded my expectations. The Race Club was established a few years ago by Gary Hall Jr. and Sr. to group world class swimmers from around the world with the same desires, determination and willingness to improve and expand the sport of swimming. I was aware from my inquiry that this was the unveiling of the Race Club’s first camp open to mortal people like myself.

Gary’s sister, Maria, who handled my enrollment application and many questions, informed me that Gary Jr. was expected to make a few personal appearances. The advertisement in the Swimming World Magazine and the flier I received at the SCY Nationals reflected an itinerary of activity that included stroke technique instruction, question and answer meetings, video filming and review and of course, swimming. These were items that peaked my interest. Maria asked me to provide a biography and include what I expected to achieve from camp. In short, I simply wanted to improve my stroke and times. Upon our arrival at the prestigious Cheeca Spa and Lodge in Islamorada of the Florida Keys, the hotel receptionist gave us a Race Club itinerary for the week along with information about hotel activities offered.

That night the Race Club arranged a cocktail reception and casual dinner overlooking the aqua blue bay of Islamorada. It is here that I had a chance to meet my fellow swimmers. We all had a nice time getting acquainted with Gary, his sister Bebe (site coordinator / videographer), sister Maria (Administrator), Mary Hall (Mom), Coach John Olsen, Mrs. Gary Hall (Expectant Mom), the rest of the Race Club organizers and each other. Our day started each morning at 7:30 AM on the outside porch of the Cheeca Spa & Lodge over looking the ocean. Each Morning for approximately 1 hour or more we talked and covered a wide range of subjects and experiences that were both interesting and informative. Then on to the pool to which the Race Club van chauffeured us back and forth from the hotel, pool and gym during the weekday’s morning and afternoon sessions.

The first day, both Gary and John gave us their best, worst and funniest experiences in swimming. Each had great stories that were funny and interesting. John who was witty, patient and always thorough, had an exceptionally touching story, that I’m not proud to say at age 52 made my eyes tear slightly, luckily I had glasses on. From this point on I knew we were in good hands. The week included stroke techniques and strategies that I was never aware of. Gary and John introduced us to innovative exercises that are unique to most swimming programs offered. We did boxing, had a session with a yoga instructor and incorporated a swimming routine that included calisthenics, diving and skipping around the pool.

The videos we reviewed as a group provided both positive and negative observations for improving our strokes. During the video review sessions, I had Coach Olson on one side and Gary on the other, pointing and advising. We were coached and instructed throughout the week, resulting in stroke improvement and reinforcing our personal goals. On the last day, we had the Race Club’s example of race day. It was a reflection of what the elite swimmers experience during peak training. Race Day was exhilarating yet fun. I enjoyed watching Gary race the young swimmers and seeing their smiles. That evening, the Race Club arranged a farewell award dinner.

We all met at an exclusive French restaurant sharing stories, drinking wine (adults only) and laughing about this week’s camp. Bebe handed out awards and we took more group and individual pictures of Gary and Coach Olsen. I have a picture of myself with Gary’s gold medal around my neck and him holding my hand up high as if I had just won! The Race Club is genuine. The Hall Family is genuine. They made us feel like family and foremost Gary Hall was gracious, helpful and attended every segment of the camp. I realize he has met more people through his career to remember but at the end of this camp, I felt like I was a friend and swimming buddy. The camp provided an opportunity to teach this old dog some new tricks. I’m convinced that incorporating what I learned this week into my swim program will definitely improve my skills and times substantially. Watch out for this Master Swimmer!

Ken Longo