Swimmer & Coach Tommy Goesch shown on Yakima tv KNDO on "KNDO Right Now"

Submitted and approved by Corale

Swimming for Life

Posted: Nov 13, 2008 10:38 PM

Updated: Nov 13, 2008 10:44 PM.

YAKIMA, Wash-- As one kid told said Thursday night, swimming can be a life long passion. And yes some Yakima children are aiming for the Olympics.

But, Olympic champions aren't born, they train, starting at a young age. More than 40 children are involved in the Yakima Athletic Club swim team. The younger children learn basic skills and form. The older ones are training for competitions.

Most said they swim because it's fun, one coach and swimmer said swimming teaches life lessons.

"It not only builds character, it tests it. You know, when things get hard you just have to push yourself. You know, the skills that you learn in swimming also go on for you to use in school and in work and in everyday life," said Tommy Goesch, co-coach and swimmer, YAC.

If you're interested in joining the YAC swim club, there's a 90-day trial, so you can test the waters. While not everyone will go to the Olympics every kid in the pool tonight was an Olympian at heart. Tommy said you'll find him still swimming in his Speedo well into his 80's.

To learn more about the Yakima YAC swim club go to their Web site: www.yacswimming.com

To run video go to http://www.kndo.com/Global/story.asp?S=9348393&nav=menu484_2_10 and select on video box on top right. There may be a short commercial lead in then the KNDO tv segment with Tommy Goesch.