Olympic swimmers help Killer Whales get 'Fitter and Faster'

Beginners met world-class champions at a local swim camp hosted by the Killer Whales.

Four Olympic swimmers — Roland Schoeman, Chloe Sutton, Isabella Arcila and Ozzie Quevedo — dove in to help local youngsters at the camp that taught the value of a good attitude, nutrition and goal-setting.

The Killer Whales swim club, which operates out of Fox Chapel Area High School pool, hosted the “Fitter and Faster Swim Tour” May 4-5.

“It was a chance for someone who is just coming into the sport to meet someone who has reached the epitome,” said Killer Whale Coach Cindy Woods.

Teen swimmers focused on mental and physical tips for improving medley performance. Younger ones worked on starts and turns, and developmental swimmers concentrated on freestyle and basics.

Five sessions that stretched over two days offered tips and techniques and gave local swimmers an inside look at the Olympians’ positive attitudes.

“The kids got to know them on a personal level,” board member Amanda Lyle Kovach said.

“We thought bringing in this event would bring in swimmers from Fox Chapel and surrounding areas and get them motivated.”

About 90 registrants from across the area listened to the Olympians’ stories of hard work and reaching for dreams.

While Woods said many youngsters start with eyes on gold medals, other goals such as friendships, fitness, varsity letters and scholarships become aspirations, too.

Sutton told the kids to learn from every failure and every success.

In addition, the Olympians reinforced the need for good nutrition and proper hydration.

“Swimming is a lifelong sport,” Woods said. “It’s a skill you should have.”

Killer Whales includes 300 families. The club has year-round programs for ages 5 through high school. In addition, there is a developmental program and a learn-to-swim class for children and adults.

The masters program, Flying Fish Heads, has more than 50 adults who continue to practice regularly and compete.

Kovach, who swam for Fox Chapel Area High School and was a WPIAL standout in 1996 and 1997, said Killer Whales is planing more clinics.

“We keep serving our community,” Woods said.

More information is available at kwswimming.com.