World class

Olympian Josh Davis shares his insights on competition with M-W Marlins Swim Club Central Valley - On Saturday morning, Sept. 9, 57 young swimmers were greeted at the Monroe-Woodbury Middle School pool by Josh Davis, who won three gold medals at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and two silver medals at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. The swimmers were there for the “Ultimate Technique” Swim Clinic, where Davis shared his Olympic experiences. He gave renewed meaning to “Up Close and Personal,” the title of the biographical segments made famous by ABC-Television’s coverage of the games, first by greeting each swimmer, then in a motivational speech and lastly in the pool with them. In 1996 Davis made history by becoming the only man in any sport from any nation at the Atlanta Olympic Games to win three gold medals. He returned to the Olympics in Sidney in 2000 where he was elected captain of the USA Men’s swim team. He went on to break the American record three times in the 200 meter free-style and won two silver medals at the 2000 Sidney Games. Through his performances, he has established himself as ambassador for the sport of swimming and is pioneering the road for the next generation of professional swimmers. Davis began the clinic precisely at 9 a.m. with a few words, describing how winning gold at the 1996 Olympic Games was his proudest moment. A number of people who attended the clinic said his remarks represented the most inspirational speech they had ever heard. The swimmers listened carefully, as did many parents who stayed to watch the clinic, and a number of them could not hold back their tears. Twenty minutes later, though, Davis was in the pool with the swimmers, teaching stroke techniques and then racing the swimmers. All four strokes were discussed and then Davis and some of the swimmers demonstrated each. The swimmers described the experience as intense and exhilarating. When the clinic ended at 1 p.m., Davis lingered to pose for individual pictures with the swimmers and put one of his gold Olympic medals around their necks. A native of Texas, Davis ended his day in the area by going to cheer on the Monroe-Woodbury Girls Varsity Swim Team at the Hudson Valley Classic Swim Meet in Newburgh, which the team won. The Monroe-Woodbury Marlins Swim Club hosted the clinic, thanks to support from the following groups and individuals: N.Y. District Council of Carpenters; Bagel World of Monroe; S&B Total Home Care Inc.; Robert and Barbara Swanson; Crystal Pools Inc.; Sapphire Title and Settlement Service; Byrne & Son Quality Meats; V&J Deli of Monroe;, Printing Express; Trophies & More; Hagopian Family Businesses, a/k/a Apple Automotive; Gold’s Gym of Monroe; Loyal Tire & Auto; The Woodbury Community Association; Chris Scibelli of Keller Williams Realty; Alexis Diner of Newburgh; the Byrne Family; ActionKidsPhoto.net; Fran’s Hallmark; and The Monroe-Woodbury School District. “Keep smiling, keep swimming, work hard in school and at the pool,” Davis told the swimmers. “Dreams really do come true.” Information for this article was provided by Denise Byrne. Photographs for this article were provided by photographer Pete Gioia of Monroe and additional images can be seen on his Web site: www.actionkidsphoto.com. On the Web site, click on Gallery (new) and scroll down to the Marlins-Josh Davis where there are more than 90 images to view.