In 2004, USA Swimming began a motivational program for age group swimmers called the IMX Series. This program is designed to help them reach the next level in their career by encouraging swimmers of all ages to compete in multiple events, rather than specializing in one stroke too early.
The series consists of two levels: IM READY and IMX.
The Jeffco Hurricanes focus on preparing swimmers for long-term success; our practice group structure and training philosophy are designed with this goal in mind. Preparing for success in the IM events is important for each swimmer’s long-term development because it will:
Provide swimmers the opportunity to practice all four strokes and events
Build each swimmers’ aerobic capacity
Build self-confidence
As a swimmer grows and matures, his or her “best” stroke or event typically changes, which is why it is important for every age group swimmer to prepare for the individual medley (IM). If the swimmer was exposed to all strokes and events from a young age, then he or she will be better prepared to compete successfully in whichever event ultimately becomes their “best.”
Two major energy systems are involved while swimming every event: the aerobic and anaerobic systems. In preparing for middle distance freestyle and IM, swimmers build their aerobic base. The aerobically stronger swimmers have a greater capacity to develop a strong anaerobic base, which is ultimately important for ALL events, including the 50 and 100s.
The coaching staff strongly believes that training for these events will build confidence in our swimmers and therefor greater success. In athletics, nothing provides greater confidence than knowing you’ve done everything necessary to achieve your goals.
IM READY
To get an IM Ready score, swimmers must legally swim all events listed for their age group at a USA Swimming sanctioned meet. Swimmers should strive to continually improve upon their initial score. (the swimmer's deck pass account / app created by USA Swimming shows the swimmer's score and it can be found on the USA Swimming website).
10 & Under: 100 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 50 fly, 100 IM (SC) or 200 IM (LC)
11-12: 200 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 50 fly, 100 IM (SC) or 200 IM (LC)
To get an IMX score, swimmers must legally swim all events listed for their age group at a USA Swimming sanctioned meet. Swimmers should strive to continually improve upon their initial score. (the swimmer's deck pass account / app created by USA Swimming shows the swimmer's score and it can be found on the USA Swimming website).
11-12: 400 free (LC) or 500 free (SC), 100 back, 100 breast, 100 fly, 200 IM
13-18: 400 free (LC) or 500 free (SC), 200 back, 200 breast, 200 fly, 200 IM, 400 IM
We celebrate our IMX achievers by providing them the opportunity to attend the IMX Games in Arizona iin the fall. 11-14 year old swimmers who qualify for the IMX Games Challenge with a score of 1500 are invited to attend the meet. For most swimmers this is their first travel meet.
