Coaching starts ahead of annual sea swim

(CIASA): The CIASA Masters Swim Programme at the Lions Aquatic Centre is coached by Mike Barrowman, a Caymanian who is also a former competitive swimmer, Olympic champion and world record-holder. Now in its 13th year, the CIASA Masters’ program has had nearly 4000 participants since it started. It takes place on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6-7pm at the Lions Pool, costs only CI$5.00 per session and has earned a reputation as being an efficient, yet relaxed and welcoming training environment. With an average of four swimmers per lane there is plenty of space; and each week three separate workouts are written for three differing tiers of ability.

With the Annual Flowers Sea Swim almost upon us, these custom workouts allow
swimmers from novice to experience who want to tackle the swim the opportunity to
get ready for it.

The sessions are not developed as a lesson; rather they are designed to address the
goals and objectives of swimmers of all ages over 18 who want to get in to, or stay in,
shape; as well as for those who are training for the popular sea swims and triathlons.

“I base the workouts on an extensive knowledge base of swimming science background
and develop them to be as efficient as possible – we achieve more in an hour than most
do in two,” said Barrowman. “We use exercises designed to improve the mechanics of
swimming via specific stroke drills. This was my specialty when swimming – we created
a new technique, new methods of training efficiency that are still cutting edge to this
day. I use these techniques in the CIASA Masters’ program and provide swimmers with a
uniquely efficient training system.”

Barrowman, the pioneer of the "wave-style" breaststroke technique brings a strong
pedigree of excellence to his Masters’ Programme having placed fourth in the 1988
Summer Olympics in the 200-meter breaststroke; being named Champion of the World
in the World Championships in Perth Australia, in 1991 and returning to the Olympics in
Barcelona in 1992 where he won the gold medal in the 200m breaststroke in world
record time. And he was the Men’s 200m breaststroke world record-holder (long
course) from 4 August 1989 to 2 October 2002 … a record in itself as he held it for 13
years until it was finally broken by Kosuke Kitajima of Japan.

He now works locally at Butterfield Bank, and is a part-time master’s swim coach in the
Cayman Islands.

For more information on the CIASA Masters’ Swim Programme email
Mike Barrowman at ciasaboard@gmail.com or just show up and introduce yourself on
deck at the pool.