This is the top level of our Age Group Program. Gold is designed to prepare the swimmers for the transition into our Senior Program. Swimmers in this group have the opportunity to practice five times per week for up to ninety minutes, and one practice for two hours. Each pratice begins with an additional fifteen minutes devoted to basic stretching for increased flexibility and range of motion. Once per week Gold Group swimmers participate in a forty five minute basic dryland program taught by certified fitness instructors. Practice attendance is not required for this group but it is recommended that swimmers attend at least four out of the six practices each week. Swimmers in this group should be able to train repeats freestyle up to 500 yards and 100’s of all strokes with strong technique. Swimmers learn advanced stroke technique and race strategy. Swimmers will compete in YMCA dual swim meets, USA Swimming invitationals, in addition to their expected attendance in the CT YMCA State Championship Meet, CT Regionals, and CT Age Groups for those who qualify. Swimmers new to the program must be evaluated by a member of the coaching staff prior to enrollment.
Prerequisites:
Swim a continuous 500 yard free with flip turns and streamlines.
Swim a legal 200 yard IM.
Demonstrate a willingness to train and compete in all strokes/distances.
Understand and demonstrate the YMCA’s 4 core character values.
Demonstrate consistent practice attendance habits (4 out of 6 practices per week)
