I started to swim competitively when I was 7 years old and almost 60 years later I am still going strong. There was only one time I hung up my swimsuit and quit swimming. That was way back in the late 70s when I had finished my college and international competitive swim career. What got me back into the pool was gaining 30 pounds and a change in attitude. I would like to share a few of my motivational tips that have helped me along the way.

Coach Jim wrote this in October of 1982 on how transitioning from a competitive athlete affected his swimming and how much he was in the water.

Even though swimmers practice their sport immersed in water, they still sweat and need to drink just as much as land-based athletes. 

Summer is fast approaching and parents are realizing it may be time for kids to learn to swim. You research the best swim facilities, take a tour, buy a new swimsuit and goggles, and the anticipation has gotten to both you and your kiddo. The first lesson has arrived and it is time to begin but something may not be how you expected it. 

We have all been there, watching our kids in an activity and wondering when they are going to attain that next skill. For some, it is the simple task of enjoying the activity while for others it can be perfecting a task they have been working on. The bottom line is that all parents want to see their kids make progress and at the Jim Montgomery Swim School we have your back.

In 1976, I set a world record in the 100 meter freestyle at the Montreal Olympics, the first person ever to break 50 seconds. World records don't come easy, but as a member of the best American Men's Olympic swim team of all time, I learned that to achieve success in the pool requires as much intelligence as muscle.