Thursday, March 27  

Learn to swim on the Gold Coast - Gary's The Best

Gary Brinkman is a fellow I first met late last year when Team Sinclair (that's me, my 15 yo son and 16 yo daughter) challenged an older mate of mine (he's 48) and a couple of his friends to beat us at the Noosa Triathlon.

That's a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride and 10 km run.

I met my mate Dave's friends the night before the race at dinner.

A bloke called Gary was doing their swim leg.

I had a chat to try and psych him out ;o)

Gary was about 46 and looked fit enough..........I thought I was half a chance to beat him. Then I found out Gary's swimming history:

Ranked 2nd In The World

"A former South African 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metre freestyle record holder, Gary received a sporting scholarship to attend Southern Illinois University in the United States, graduating with a BSC in Business Administration.

Ranked 2nd in the World

Gary became four times USA National Swimming Champion in the 400m freestyle in 1984 and in the 400, 800 and 1500m freestyle in 1986.

During this time Gary was ranked as high as second in the world.

His nationality at the time prevented him from competing in the Olympic Games although he swam against, often beating, swimmers who placed in the top three at the 1984 Olympics."

Mmmmm. I was in a bit of trouble!

Gary Smashed Me!

Of course Gary smashed me.

In fact his time was one of the very fastest on the day - he would have gotten out of the water with the leading pros!
Gary's Also A Swim Coach

Gary is also a swim coach here on the Gold Coast and we've just launched his new web site.

If you're looking for a very professional and friendly learn to swim place on the Gold Coast you'll be hard pressed to find a better qualified or nicer team than at Swim for Life.

Please tell him I sent you - Gary has promised me a minute's head start for everyone who finds his site through what I'm writing now!

I need 11 minutes and I'd be just about even with him!

Cheers!

Brendon

Labels: learn to swim gold coast