Saturday 25 December 2010

Brandon Joins SOPAC

Brandon was worried about missing swim practice with the State Championships being so close so thanks to the coaches at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, he is able to continue training.

The first training session was 5am on the morning after we arrived so we were slightly jet lagged. In addition, Brandon was worried about being able to keep up as this is a pretty elite team. Out of the 35 swimmers on the Silver team, there are 20 State swimmers. (State is the step down from Nationals here) and even a couple of National Champions. These kids are fast.

Brandon had one mishap. It turns out that Australians swim on the same side of the pool lane as they drive. Unaware of this, Brandon crashed head first into another swimmer coming down the left side of the lane...oops!


There were two coaches, Coach Dennis (who works on drills) and Coach Sam (who works on technique). The team did a little walk around the pool, some crunches and stretches then straight into warm ups which was (a set of 600's, 200 swim, 100IM) repeated four times followed by 4 x 100's, 50 Kick, 50 Swim with flippers four times in IM Order.  Then I had went off to speak to one of the mum's and off for a coffee so not sure what was next. 

As it was Christmas eve, the team had a bit of fun with relays in the short course pool. Girls against the boys.

Relays in the short course pool.
Unfortunately the boys lost but it was extremely close. Brandon survived although he was tired. He can't wait until the next session. Coach Sam thought that Brandon has a lovely backstroke.

The girls give the boys the thumbs down.

The Park Facilities

The facilities are wonderful with the gym and cafe etc. It will make spending hours here each week a pleasure.

A lot to live up to as you enter the pool. The Hall of Fame.
Lap Pool and Play pools

Competition and Squad Training 50m

The cafe.

The 50m and 25m Competition Pools

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