James ‘The Missile’ Magnussen has homed in on the talents of more than 40 promising young local athletes as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s Swim With The Stars program.
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Magnussen, the Olympic silver medallist, as well as Commonwealth Games backstroke silver medallist Bradley Woodward, and breaststroke bronze medallist Matt Wilson all shared their expertise with the next generation of champions on the weekend at a day-long clinic at Speers Point Swim Centre.
Magnussen said the program was an opportunity to “give back to country swimming in NSW”.
Council’s leisure service manager Brad Sutton said the strong uptake for this year’s Swim With The Stars reflected the depth of talent in Lake Macquarie’s young swimming stocks.
Participants had all previously achieved a minimum district level of swimming competition.
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“James, Bradley and Matt were all very generous with sharing their time and wisdom,” Mr Sutton said.
“I’m sure their input will help this next generation of champions go on to bigger and better things.”
The trio, together with national swim team coach and physiotherapist Adam Kable and NSW Institute of Sport swimming physiologist Jake Hodgetts, covered a variety of topics, from pre-race diet and nerves to perfecting tumble turns.
Mr Sutton said Swim With The Stars was part of council’s commitment to encouraging fit and healthy lifestyles and promoting swimming competency in the community.
“For many people, this all starts with our popular learn-to-swim programs, which are open to children aged six months and over,” Mr Sutton said.
“Registrations are now open for the first term of our 2019 program, kicking off next Tuesday, January 29, at Charlestown, Swansea, Speers Point and West Wallsend swim centres.”
Go to lakemac.com.au/recreation/swim-centres for more information.