Lehigh University Athletics
Former Olympian Gaines pays a visit to Lehigh
6/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
Bethlehem, PA - Two-time Olympic swim-team member Rowdy Gaines landed in Gaines, who has won 14 national titles, was a member of the 1980 Olympic Team that boycotted the Games, and he also served as a commentator for NBC in last year’s Summer Games in “This sport gave me so much when I was growing up, countless values, like responsibility and teamwork, so it’s great to have a chance to give back to the young swimmers of today.” Gaines, who lives in Colorado Springs and serves as the Executive Director of USA Swimming, focusing on alumni and fund raising, still gets in the pool everyday, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. “I’m a maniac about being in the water, even if it’s just those 30 minutes; I have to get in the pool each day.” Lehigh head swimming and diving coach Rob Herb was excited to have Gaines on campus Monday. “Rowdy really is a hands-on teacher with the way he gets in and out of the water with the kids. He has such a high level of expertise and brings a real enjoyment to the pool.” Herb concluded, “He brings the sport right to them, makes them feel his passion for it.” Gaines ran two sessions on Monday, with the early morning session focusing on starts and turns and the afternoon session centering around technique.
