Rick Walker On Open Water Swimming In Ghana
Courtesy of WOWSA, Rick Walker, Accra, Ghana.
Rick Walker was the head coach and clinician at the recent FINA Open Water Coaches Clinic held in Accra, Ghana.
The Olympic 10K Marathon Swim referee and long-time head USA Swimming national team coach recalled his experience, “I will always admit that I too learn from these experiences. It was a wonderful time with 25-30 beginner level coaches who were passionate about learning and eager to get into coaching.
Clinics like these always remind me that I am in a profession that does not leave out the one who asks the questions, inquires as to ‘How do you do that?’
It also shows me that there are plenty of patriots from around the world who simply are proud of who they are. My hosts were some of the most welcoming, kind and giving individuals that I have ever encountered. At the end of the clinic, the students gave me a gift of a woven pullover from various tribes in Ghana. One coach gave me a hand-stitched backpack and a tribal drum.
I am proud of the Ghana coaches who shared their lives, their stories, and their passion during my visit. They made me feel like family and that is what I will remember and cherish most.
Also to President of Ghana Swimming, Theophilus Edzie, who was very gracious in his invitation and has a vision that is full of potential.”
Copyright © 2008-2019 by World Open Water Swimming Association
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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