Lehigh University Athletics
Former Olympian Gaines returns to swim camp
6/23/2009 10:30:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
 |
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The first of two weeks of Lehigh swim camp began on Saturday inside Lehigh’s Jacobs and Morrrissey Pools. On Monday, campers were treated to an appearance by former Olympic Champion Rowdy Gaines, who made his annual trek to Lehigh’s camp. Gaines captured three gold medals at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and has been instructing young swimmers at Lehigh’s swim camps for the last 13 years.
“I keep coming back because I love Lehigh,” explained Gaines. “Back in the day I could have seen myself coming here. The people here are great and the campus is beautiful.
He continues, “(Lehigh head coach) Rob Herb does a great job here. He epitomizes everything that’s great about Lehigh. He’s a great friend and a great coach. In coming back to Lehigh for 13 years, all the coaches I’ve worked with and gotten to know have become great friends.”
Gaines, who has won 17 national titles, was also a member of the 1980 Olympic team that did not compete due to a government boycott. He spent most of Monday afternoon’s camp session instructing and then racing against Lehigh’s campers, who range from the ages of nine to 17.
“There’s a great old-school atmosphere with the pools here,” said Gaines. “The camps here feature a lot of local kids who just love the sport of swimming, which is what keeps me coming back year in and year out. Swimming and working with kids is what keeps me young.”
Gaines recently returned to his native Florida, where he works for The Limu Company, while also managing Rowdy’s Kidz, wellness initiative focused on helping America’s youth create healthier lifestyles and more confident futures. He also serves as NBC’s primary swimming color commentator, having covered the last five Olympic Games for the network. Since turning 50, Gaines has returned to competitive swimming on the Master’s Circuit, where he added three more national titles to his already impressive resume.
“Once I turned 50, I saw the Masters as a new way to keep competing,” said Gaines. “I moved into the 50-54 year age group, which has brought exciting new challenges. I’ve never really stopped swimming, because I love to compete.”
“Rowdy has been coming here for 13 years and we love having him at our camp,” said Herb. “He loves working with young swimmers and our campers love learning from him. He always seems to have a busy schedule but for him to still find the time to come to Lehigh and interact with our campers every year is absolutely phenomenal. He does a great job.”
The first week of swim camp concludes on Wednesday, while Gaines is expected back for the second week of camp, which begins on Saturday.
