The Plantation Swim Team took another step to improve in the water with an emphasis on preparation and learning new techniques as they had the opportunity to train with Olympic athletes at the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour at the Plantation Aquatics Complex in Plantation Central Park from Sept. 20-21.

Chloe Sutton and Connor Jaeger provided instruction for the Plantation Swim Team.

Sutton specializes in the freestyle and long-distance events and has won five medals in major international competition. Sutton was a member of the 2008 and 2012 United States Olympic team.

Jaeger, a three-time All-American at the University of Michigan, specializes in distance freestyle events. He competed in the 2012 Olympics for the United States and placed sixth in the 1,500-meter freestyle. Jaeger holds the U.S. Open record in the 800-meter freestyle.

“It was a great event to meet the two Olympians and have the chance to learn so much from them,” Plantation Swim Team coach Jimmy Parmenter said. “They really were able to see what it takes to be the best and the Olympians were able to share their past experiences and routine. The swimming drills and the techniques are helpful to guide them.”

The Plantation Swim Team practiced drills to connect the entire body and to propel forward to enable efficient swimming. The clinic also emphasized the need to find balance in the water and by using the core to achieve a stable bodyline. The swim team also learned about dryland exercises to build core strength and stability in order to swim faster in the water.

The Plantation Swim Team will participate in meets during October, including at Florida Atlantic University. The team is also comprised of players at the high school level who are swimming for their school team. Members of the team also swim at several schools in the county, including Plantation High School, South Plantation High School, American Heritage School, and Western High School.

The Plantation Swim Team had a strong performance at the Sunrise Pre-Junior Olympic Meet at the Sunrise Civic Center from Sept. 13-14. The competitors from the Plantation Swim Team who had first place honors in several different events included Brandon Adelkopf, Isabella Chambers, Daniel Escobar, Joshua Justin, Kai Kibler, Lance Lesage, Yannai Michael, Andy Rogatinsky, Caroline Udell, and Robert Wilson.

The 24th Annual Speedo Winter Championships will be held from Nov. 20-23 at the Plantation Aquatics Complex. The tournament is sold out with participating teams across the country, including swimmers from New Jersey, California, and Jamaica.

“We are excited to have the chance to host the Winter Championships,” Parmenter said. “It’s going to be a great event and it’s very competitive.”