May 9, 2007

Local Swimmers to Hit the Pool with Olympian

More than 60 youth swimmers will have the experience of a lifetime Saturday when Olympic swimmer, Rowdy Gaines, meets with them to share inspiration and tips.

The local swimmers, members of the Little Rhody Aquatic Club, will attend a Mutual of Omaha BREAKout! Swim Clinic on Saturday, May 12 at Bryant University, located at 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917. The clinic is from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm for 8 to 18 years old. The swimmers will hear an inspiring message from Olympian Rowdy Gaines. Immediately following, they will hit the water with Gaines for in-water demonstration and instruction on swim strokes and techniques. Some participants may even have a chance to test their strokes in a race against Gaines. Concluding the event, this swimming champion will be available for autographs and photos.

The Mutual of Omaha Breakout! Swim Clinic is a unique experience developed by Olympic gold medalist Josh Davis and Mutual of Omaha to inspire and motivate a new generation of swim stars. As an official sponsor of USA Swimming, Mutual of Omaha actively supports the sport on all levels, from local clubs across the country to the National Team. Davis, who earned three gold medals in the 1996 Olympics and two silver medals in the 2000 Olympic Games, is a master clinician and motivational speaker.

Rowdy Gaines        Olympic Gold Medalist and NBC Olympic Commentator (AL)
In 1984, Rowdy Gaines won 3 Gold Meals at the Los Angeles Olympics at age 24. At that time people over the age of 20 were considered "washed up." He was the first to set the new standard.  In 1991, Rowdy came down with a rare disease called Guillan-Barre, which left him paralyzed. The doctors told him that his swimming background probably saved his life. He had a full recovery and retired to the water to break multiple Master's world records and even qualified for the 1996 Olympic Trials age 36. Rowdy is now the Chief Fundraising officer for USA Swimming and the color commentator for NBC's TV broadcast of swimming in the Olympics.      

About Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha is a full-service, multi-line organization providing insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States.  For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit http://www.mutualofomaha.com/.

For more information on the Mutual of Omaha Breakout! Swim Clinics, including how to host a clinic, visit http://www.breakoutswimclinic.com/.