Olympic Champion Brooke Bennett Visits Gulliver Academy

Feb. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- On February 11, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Brooke Bennett conducted a 4-hour swim clinic for more than 40 Gulliver Swim Club members at Gulliver Academy’s pool.

Bennett shared her inspirational story about her journey to both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games and provided in-water demonstrations. Bennett also answered questions, signed autographs and took photos with the students.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to truly understand what it takes to be a champion. Ms. Bennett is an inspiration to our swimmers, motivating them to continue working hard and to stay focused,” said Gulliver’s Aquatics Director & Head Varsity Swim Coach James Sweeney.

Bennett was just 16 when she won her first gold medal at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta. When Bennett was growing up in Florida, her grandfather built her a swimming pool and a future champion swimmer was born. In 1996, the U.S. Olympic Committee named Bennett the Sports Woman of the Year for swimming, and she rewarded that faith by winning gold in the 800-meter freestyle event. Bennett ultimately added 14 U.S. National Champion titles to her record.

In the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Bennett won two gold medals, one in the 800-meter freestyle and another in the 400-meter freestyle. Winning the medals took a toll on Bennett, and the swimmer underwent surgery on her shoulders in 2001. Although she finished just out of the running for the 2004 Olympic Games, Bennett continues to swim and compete in various events and competitions.  

About The Gulliver Swim Club
The Gulliver Swim Club (GRSC) is a USA Swimming year round competitive swim team offering high quality professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. The goal of our team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to international competitor. Anyone is able to join and practice groups are based on age and ability. For more information about membership, please contact James Sweeney at 305.666.7937, ext. 1461 or swej@gulliverschools.org or visit our Gulliver Swim Club website at www.gulliverswimclub.org.

About Gulliver Schools
Gulliver Schools is a 501(c) (3) private, not-for-profit, independent, coeducational, nonsectarian day school with the mission of providing a superior college-preparatory education and ensuring an outstanding dynamic learning environment which recognizes and nurtures the unique talents and gifts of each student.