Olympian Dara Torres Making A Big Splash at St. Francis This Saturday

Dara Torres is coming to Brooklyn Heights to inspire swimmers young and old to keep chasing their dreams.

The five-time Olympian and the oldest swimmer to ever compete in the Olympic Games will be at St. Francis Brooklyn (180 Remsen Street, between Court and Clinton) this Saturday for the Big Splash Swimming Clinic, a hands-on clinic to instruct young swimmers in proper starting and turning techniques.

Ms. Torres, who at the 2008 Beijing Olympics became the first US swimmer to compete in five Olympic games when she swam in the 50-meter freestyle, 4×100-meter medley relay and 4×100-meter freestyle relay—capturing silver medals in all three events—will also speak about her remarkable career.

When asked by The Patch what was the single most important lesson that allowed her to compete at such a high level, Ms. Torres, winner of twelve Olympic medals (four gold, four silver, four bronze), responded by email: “Surround yourself with good coaches. Listen to them, even when times get tough.”

“Being great at anything takes a big commitment,” said Torres, advising athletes of all ages to stick with their sport. “I always say you are never too old to chase your dreams!”

St. Francis Director of Aquatics Carl Quigley, who organized the event, was understandably elated about the opportunity to have such a distinguished guest in the pool at the Generoso Pope Center.

“Any time you can get an accomplished athlete and role model like Ms. Torres to donate her time and talent in an effort to encourage young athletes to be become competitors and better swimmers, it’s a win-win situation, not only for St. Francis College but also for the Borough of Brooklyn,” said Mr. Quigley, an Assistant Athletic Director for the Terriers as well as an advocate for youth swim programs, including water polo.

Saturday’s clinic, which is a fundraiser for the St. Francis Brooklyn Intercollegiate Aquatics program, which includes swimming, diving, men’s and women’s water polo, features two separate sessions, as follows:

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. swimmers ages 8 to 13
1 p.m. to 3 pm. swimmers ages 13 to 17

The clinic cost is $50 per swimmer; spectator admission is $25.

Due to high demand, the clinic will be limited to the first 60 swimmers for each session

In between sessions Ms. Torres will answer questions and speak about her success as an Olympian, mother and motivational speaker.

For additional information contact please contact Carl Quigley by email at cquigley@sfc.edu or at 718-489-5490.

PHOTO CREDIT: Premiere Management Group