ICYMI: FCST swimmers get selected to attend Diversity & Inclusion Camp!

2018 Johnnie Means Diversity & Inclusion Camp 

Houston, TX

FCST Swimmers: Lillian Gomez, Amanda Liu, Ali Abou El Azm, and Josiah Ibarra

Guest Speakers: Olympian Garret Weber-Gale

   Last weekend 4 FCST swimmers were selected to represent FCST at the 2018 Johnnie Means Diversity & Inclusion Camp. Lillian, Amanda, Ali, and Josiah all gained wonderful insight and useful information from guest speaker Garret Weber-Gale. Garret represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was part of the historic 4 x 100 Fr relay out touching the French team for the gold medal. The camp also participated in activities that required communication and trusting the partner they were assigned to. Activities such as, blind folding a partner and having the other teammate guide the blind folded swimmers through a series of obstacles; enforcing the importance of communicating with teammates.

    Garret also shared his story about his struggles as a young Jewish swimmer. Those struggles at an early age helped him form his strong character and ability to persevere through obstacles. At the same time, Garret is huge on nutrition and fueling the body correctly for the sport of swimming. He acknowledges that everyone digests food differently, therefore, it is necessary to experiment with a variety of foods and timing (when to eat the food). The best way to understand how food affects your training is to keep a journal. In that journal the individual notes the time of eating the food, what type of food was consumed, and how that food made you feel during training. A  very important aspect with nutrition is timing. Garret emphasized that athletes need to eat within the first 30 minutes after a workout. It is crucial to eat within that 30 minutes window in order to begin the recovery process. We appreciate Garret for sharing his knowledge and story to Gulf athletes!

    At the same time, we want to give a shout out to Coach Mandy who is the Gulf's Camp Coordinator, without her efforts none of these Gulf sponsored clinics would happen. Thank you Mandy! Also, Coach Andre was on the coaching staff assisting Coach Mandy and Garret with activities and organizing the event. Thank you all for the support! GO FCST! #FCSTFamily