As the Head Swim Coach, Coach Ar brings over three decades of international swimming excellence to the Academy’s renowned swimming program.
Champam, a former nationally ranked swimmer, has coached athletes at the highest levels of competitive swimming. His credentials include coaching at two Olympic Games (2012 and 2020), five World Championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2025), multiple Pan American Games (2003, 2007, 2011), and the 2025 Asian Championships.
Throughout his distinguished career, Champam has served as a coach for national teams representing Brazil, South Korea, India, and the Bahamas. He holds a postgraduate degree in Physiology of Exercise and Sport Training and a Master’s degree in Human Movement Science, informing his science-based approach to developing elite swimmers.
"My coaching leverages my educational experience and centers around proper technique, especially at the development stage, which provides the best foundation for success and reduces the risk of injury or burnout," said Champam. "I’m tremendously excited to support the next generation of elite Hargrave swimmers."
Welcome to Hargrave Aquatics! I started as the Aquatics Director and Head Swim Coach for the boys Hargrave Swim Team. We started HAVA (Hargrave Aquatics - VA) and I was also the Head Coach, as well as teaching the children in our Bridge Program. In addition I took on the role as Athletic Director in 2023 which kept me very busy! I stepped down as Head Coach in December 2025 when Coach Ari came onboard. I really enjoy seeing the improvements in all the swimmers - not just in technique and swim meet times, but also in commitment, discipline, goal setting, accountability, and time management. "What you put in swimming, is what you get out of it!"
