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2019 Celebration and Annual Meeting

Tech Talk with Aaron Peirsol

Nine years ago, Pacific Masters Swimming created an event to celebrate all that has transpired in the year. Occurring each November, it is the organization’s opportunity to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of our members while giving something back. We devote a day to immersing in all things swimming. As the largest Local Masters Swim Committee in the country, our programs, activities, events and especially our people, are the best. This year’s celebration followed the success of prior years. The day starts with both pool and dryland workouts followed by a technical talk, a catered lunch, a keynote address by one of our sport’s luminaries, all capped off with the year’s final LMSC business meeting and recognition ceremony.

Aaron PeirsolThe highlight of the day is the keynote address. Since Rowdy Gaines set the bar for the keynote at our first celebration, our speakers have all been Olympians who have regaled us with their experiences, philosophies and extremely personal insights into how swimming influenced their lives. This year, Aaron Peirsol, backstroker extraordinaire, 3-time Olympian, 6-time medalist and still the holder of the world record in the 200 back set in 2010, told a highly moving account of his career with a poignant story of his Olympic first place disqualification (followed by reinstatement). Aaron also presented the tech talk, naturally on how to swim better backstroke. While he apologized for not having us in the water with him as he usually teaches the stroke, his slides, videos, and dramatic gestures provided us all we need to know to go out and try it.

Chris ChorakStu and Mary Kahn, Joel Wilson, Mike Kazek and Donita Flecker were on deck coaching the workouts and Chris Chorak (of Presidio Sport and Medicine) reprised last year’s very popular dry land clinic which emphasized keeping necks and shoulders healthy. Lunch was delicious and everyone had a chance to have their photo taken with Aaron. Look for your picture here. You can also view glimpses of the entire day’s program here.

The celebration ended with a report on the organization’s finances (we are healthy), the election of a new board and recognizing a number of the people who have done great things in swimming and for Pacific Masters Swimming. The Pacific Masters Swimming 2019 Annual Report tells you everything we haven’t told you here.

Put next year’s celebration on your radar (date to be announced). It’s a not-to-be missed event.

Written by Rich Burns. Photos by Rich Burns.

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