Competitive swimming in the Cayman Islands has been hit with rough seas over the last several months, to say the least. First, Hurricane Ivan struck, then national coach Dave Kelsheimer departed.
Kelsheimer, popular with swimmers but much less so with some government officials, had built an impressive swim program from scratch. He turned Cayman into a regional powerhouse at the junior level and laid a deep, broad foundation for the sport locally. Some worried that his sudden absence would result in an abrupt dropoff in quality.
Dominic Ross is not letting that happen. He is determined to keep high standards and keep looking forward. Ross was a longtime Cayman Islands swim coach and served as an assistant to Kelsheimer. So far, say insiders, he has kept Cayman Islands swimming on course.
How has the transition gone since Kelsheimer’s departure?
Ross: Everything has proceeded very smoothly. We have been able to continue all of the programs that were in place despite operating with half of our previous staffing levels.
How is the programme’s recovery from Ivan progressing?
The numbers have been steadily increasing. We were able to re-open the facility relatively quickly afterwards which I think has helped. There are still a lot of swimmers who have not yet returned to the Island but as always our Learn To Swim program has been overflowing and we have actually managed to increase the average number of school classes we offer each week.
How long have you been involved with coaching in Cayman? I have been on the staff at the Lions Pool for six years now. Before that I was a swimmer in the programs that existed back then. I also swam when I was growing up on the Brac in the 80s, so all told I have been involved in swimming in Cayman in some shape or form for about 21 years.
What do you find most rewarding about coaching? This is my favourite quote. I have it on my wall above my computer and it really does help me to realise sometimes exactly why I do the job.
‘For me, coaching is about the children and the immense opportunities that we, as coaches, have the responsibility to provide.
‘It is about the little toothless munchkins crying because they forgot it was a breaststroke race and swam freestyle. It is about that big bug eyed goggle smile after they realize that they just did what was impossible forty seconds earlier.
‘It is about the power of accomplishment gained from honest effort and striving for excellence. You that have never taught or coached can’t begin to understand the profound impact coaches have on kids’ lives. I know I didn’t until I started to get the letters 1, 5, 20 years after they swam for me. It is about the love and joy for children and the sport. It is not about the JOB, it is the path we help them set for a lifetime of adventure.’
Mike Lewlleyn, Kansas City Blazers
What does Cayman swimming need to continue to improve?
The continued support of all of the entities involved. The Government, the Swimming Association, The Stingray Swim Club, all of the Sponsors. Cayman Swimming can continue to excel as long as the right people are involved.
What kind of leader is required to keep Cayman’s swim programme successful and improving? Do you believe you can provide that kind of leadership?
Swimming, as with anything else in Cayman, needs someone at the helm who understands the culture and the people. Someone who knows and wants to be a part of what Cayman is all about. Someone who is able to get the most out of every kid who walks through the gate while also buliding a rapport with the athletes that will help to keep them in the sport for the long term. Attaining a balance is the key. Not every swimmer is capable of being, or wants to be, an Olympian. It is essential for continued success that the program provide an opportunity for everyone to attain their own personal goals within the sport, regardless of their age, race, ability, nationality or any other factors. I have no doubt that I am capable of providing those opportunities.
How many kids are now involved in the swim programme?
In May of this year there was an average of 81 different classes/groups per week at the Lions Pool and a total of 999 pool users for the month.
Are you a candidate for the permanent post of technical director? What is your title right now?
I am currently the Acting Senior Swimming Instructor for the Department of Youth and Sports and have been interviewed for the permanant post along with other candidates.
What is your background in swimming?
As I mentioned before, I have been involved in swimming in Cayman for about 21 years, the first six of those on Cayman Brac as a swimmer. I continued as an athlete when my family moved to Grand Cayman in 1990. I was a founding member of the Swimming Team at my University in the UK and worked briefly as a swimming teacher in London before taking up my position here at the Lions Pool. I have been fortunate enough to represent the Cayman Islands as an athlete at the 2001 Island Games as well as being a part of many successful CARIFTA coaching staffs, the Head Coach of the first teams to represent Cayman at CCCAN and the Pan American Open Water Championships as well as being the assistant coach at the 2003 Pan American Games and the 2004 Olympic Games.
What is the status of the ongoing quest for a 50m pool?
That one I’ll leave for the new Government and the Swimming Association to answer. We certainly could use the space!
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