Willow Glen Resident

Community

Champion swimmer, Bal, inspires members of Osprey Aquatics team

By Lynn Crocker

Members of Osprey Aquatics Swim Team, which practices at Willow Glen Middle and High School, and their parents, were treated to a special guest at their eighth annual fundraiser that took place at the Camden Community Center.

World champion swimmer and Olympic hopeful Randall Bal talked about the impact swimming has had on his life.

"I liked hearing him speak because it made me realize that he started at the same point we all did," said Catherine Ladd, who is preparing to compete in the Junior Olympics. "His talk motivates me and makes me want to try all that much harder."

Eleven-year-old Morgan Sprinkles came away with the message to never give up, while Alisabeth Bacon, who swims butterfly, said Bal inspired her to keep going.

"I also liked what he said about setting goals," Alisabeth said.

Her teammate, Michelle Taikeff, who swims butterfly and breast stroke, added, "He inspired me to work harder and put more effort into what I do."

The 26-year-old champion swimmer began his career at the age of 4 and quickly developed a passion for the sport.

"My parents got me involved because they couldn't keep me out of the water," Bal said.

His excellence and commitment to swimming earned him a scholarship to Stanford University and has afforded him opportunities to travel all over the world.

"I never would have dreamed that swimming would have taken me where it has," said Bal, who recently returned from a swim meet in Italy where local politicians and the press greeted him.

Bal told the Osprey swim team members about the importance of setting goals, being committed, budgeting time and being physically and mentally prepared.

After his talk, parents and children approached him with questions and requests for photographs and autographs.

The Osprey Aquatics swim team is a fully sanctioned member club of USA Swimming. The team is made up of all age and ability levels. The program emphasizes individuality within a team and success is measured by individual self-improvement.

The Osprey Aquatics Swim Team is taking registrations for its summer session. To sign up a child, e-mail coach Shannon Mackin at shannon@ospreyaquatics.com. Children must be 5 years old and able to swim the length of a 25-yard pool unassisted.