On Sunday, October 15, 2023, 16 Junior Members from The American Club’s Senior Swim Squad, along with Head Swim Coach Greg Fasala, Assistant Swim Coach Hariz Zailani, and Director of Retail Services Eleen Yap, who served as the team’s Chaperone and Manager, traveled to Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, for their annual five-day swim camp.
The objective of the training camp was to provide our swimmers with an intensive, all-encompassing training experience aimed at enhancing their swimming skills and fostering teamwork.
The team was greeted with a 25-seater coach driven by none other than Coach Greg, after touching down from their overnight flight into Gold Coast. Their first destination was the Waterworx Aquatics Centre for a short training session, followed by a hearty Australian breakfast.
After fuelling up for the day, the team headed to the Gold Coast Performance Centre, which became their home for the next five days. The Centre is renowned for its exceptional sporting facilities, combining accommodation, training resources, and a fully-equipped physiotherapy and medical center under one roof.
Each day began with a two-hour swim training session in the 50-meter pool, followed by an ice bath to kickstart their day. Afterward, they would enjoy a healthy and nutritious breakfast, before heading to the onsite beach volleyball courts to play volleyball during their 45-minute break.
The day’s schedule also included a cardio spin class to work on building strength in the legs, followed by more volleyball before lunch. In the afternoon, the team would undergo a rigorous circuit strength training program that would last until dinner time.
Evenings were reserved for short team meetings to review the day and complete a self-evaluation questionnaire. It was also during one of these debrief sessions that the team would cast their votes for the “Most Dedicated Swimmer” and the “Spirit Award”.
During the camp, the Junior Members also had the opportunity to meet with a dietitian to understand the importance of proper nutrition during their regular training schedules.
Yet, it wasn’t all work and no play, as the Junior Members were treated to a half-day outing to Main Beach, and rewarded to a full-day outing to Warner Bros. Movie World on the last day of camp.
The camp ended on a high note as the team tallied their points, and the “Most Dedicated Swimmer” trophy was awarded to Fynn Jermyn, a guest swimmer. The coveted “Spirit Award”, determined by the votes of their peers, was presented to Juna Mayuzumi Shiroishi, for her utmost commitment to the team and best embodying the essence of teamwork.
The team bade Gold Coast adieu with a stopover at the iconic Yatala Pies shop, where they had the opportunity to savor Australian hospitality, before heading to the airport for their flight back to Singapore.
When asked how he felt about this year’s camp, Coach Greg responded, “It was a great trip. With swimmers ranging from 12 to 17 years old, it can sometimes be a challenge to get the team to work at the same level. However, during this camp, the younger swimmers rose to the occasion and worked exceptionally well with the older swimmers. The swimmers truly operated as a cohesive team and represented the Club at the highest standards. I am very proud of them all.”
The Aquatics team would like to extend special thanks to the Club’s Management and Committees who supported this trip, as well as Greg, Hariz and Eleen for their hard work before, during, and after the event.
Last but not least, the team would like to thank the families, parents, and swimmers for their support and participation in the 2023 Australia Swim Camp.
Click here to learn more about our Aquatics team and the classes available.
