Orinda Aquatics hosted a Mutual of Omaha BREAKOUT! Swim Clinic today. Not only did the 100 swimmers in attendance have an opportunity to race US Olympians Jason Lezak and Kim Vandenberg but they worked on technique, understanding how the mind, body and heart affect swimming and had inspirational talks. They also took photos with the Olympians, got autographs and got to hold their Olympic medals. It was a great opportunity for all. Lezak is a four time Olympic Gold Medalist and world record holder in the 400 FR and 400...

BridgeAthletic is working with Orinda Aquatics to offer a year-round swimming-specific strength and conditioning program for all Senior Group athletes. BridgeAthletic was founded in 2011 by Nick Folker and Michael Sharf, two long time members of the aquatics community. Nick and Michael, along with the rest of the BridgeAthletic team are building out an educational-technology platform that will connect all athletes and fitness enthusiasts with the elite knowledge of the “pros”. Our initial focus is on strength and conditioning and nutritional optimization. Nick has earned the distinction of being the...

100 free: Prelims - 1:15.47 (8th) Finals - 1:15.23 (7th) 50 fly: P - 37.89 (3rd) F - 37.35 (3rd) 50 free: P - 34.52 (7th) F - 34.85 (6th) 100 back: P - 1:25.77 (6th) F - 1:26.5 (6th) 400 free: P - 5:27.49 (2nd) F - 5:31.04 (2nd) 50 back: P - 40.22 (4th) F - 40.56 (5th) Great job Megan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Donnie was invited to give two talks at the Swim Ireland Coaches Clinic in Dublin. There were 110 coaches in attendance with 20 coming from outside of the country. Donnie spoke on developing a character-based culture, and age-group program development. The two other speakers were John Leonard, head of the American Swimming Coaches Association, and Matt Kredich from University of Tennessee. Comments from Swim Ireland: Education Swim Ireland Coaches Clinic April 2013 “Coaches are the key to everything we achieve in the swimming pool” that was the message coming from...

The 2012-13 Collegiate Swim Season has drawn to a close for our Orinda Aquatics alumni. These alums continue to thrive in the sport with most continuing to not only swim for four years but to also continue to improve over the course of their career. Our ultimate goal has always been that years after graduating from high school, are alums are swimming at their very best, loving the sport, are leaders on their teams, and are better people. Orinda Aquatic's success in this area is not the norm and we...

Orinda Aquatics had an incredible meet in Clovis. The team took 75 swimmers on what was the largest travel trip in OA history. With no chaperones, the kids' behavior was impeccable as they were on time for every departure, were in team attire the entire meet, and were highly spirited and supportive throughout the entire meet. Orinda Aquatics won the four-day competition which featured 650 swimmers and teams from the western United States. Detailed recap of the meet Clovis Times Review

Steven Stumph has been invited by USA Swimming to join the 2013 US National Junior Team. During the first week in April, he will join other elite swimmers and attend the 2013 National Junior Team Camp at the US Olympic Training Center. Way to go Steven!

Megan Liang has been selected to the USA Emerging Team by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and USA Paralympics. Congratulations Megan! We are very, very proud of you!

On a recent very cold Saturday morning (California standards), instead of finding themselves in the pool, the Senior Group migrated to the football field for team bonding, tug-a-war and relay competitions.

It was a full house at the Soda Center last night as the Junior Group and their parents showed up in force to listen to Steven and Ronnie talk about Steven's "journey" at Orinda Aquatics. Steven had previously been a rec swimmer when at 12 years old, his family met with numerous local year round swim clubs, ultimately choosing to join Orinda Aquatics' Junior Group. Despite 2 broken wrists and several injuries along the way culminating in double hip surgery in 2011, Steven's career has soared. His most recent success...