Olympic swimmers to hold clinic at King George

Crocker is considered Michael Phelps' greatest rival.

Area swimmers will get the chance to enhance their competitive swimming skills by working with two Olympic champions, Ian Crocker and Kristy Kowal.

The Rappahannock Raiders Swim Club will host a Mutual of Omaha Breakout! Swim Clinic April 28 at the King George YMCA.

Mutual of Omaha is an official sponsor of USA Swimming and brings its clinic to more than 70 cities a year.

“We are so excited to have them come,” said Sandy Elia, a registrar on the Raiders’ parent-run board. “It’s going to be a great experience for these kids.

The King George clinic is for swimmers age 8 to 18 and will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the YMCA pool off State Route 3 in King George.

The swimmers will hear inspiring messages from Crocker, a five-time Olympic medalist, and Kowal, who won a silver medal in the Sydney Olympics.

Then, swimmers will hit the water with the two former Olympians for instruction on all four swim strokes and techniques.

Kristy Kowal holds several American and international records in swimming.

Some participants may even have a chance to race against the champions.

At the end of the event, Crocker and Kowal will be available for autographs and photos.

The cost is $75 by April 6, $95 afterwards. More information is available by contacting Elia at 540/413-7132 or rappraiders@hotmail.com. Registration is available here.

The Rappahannock Raiders have 55 swimmers in their club, ages 4 to 16. Most of them are from King George County. The team trains at the King George YMCA.

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