“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.” – Michael Phelps
This quote by Michael Phelps rings true to our own school motto “Find your Passion, Realise your Dream”. There are no limits to what you can achieve in life as long as you have big dreams and aspirations.
And with Michael Phelps words in mind, we dived into the return of swimming lessons at HAIS this term. Swimming is not only a fun and refreshing activity during the warmer months, but it is also a sport that promotes lifelong health benefits and safety around water. Each year group will swim once a week until October and again in April.
It’s also a sport that we lap up (no pun intended) when we watch the Olympic Games. It’s a simple ‘who can get from A to B first’ competition – the rules are easy and motives uncomplicated, but to onlookers, it is also impressive to watch the technique and determination of the individuals in each race.
As Swim Coach Mr Elton said; “Swimming is built into the HAIS curriculum from Early Years all the way through to A Level. It is a great way to stay physically active and mentally refreshed and requires discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.”
Big Fish from a Small Pond
Our HAIS Elite Swim Squad are smaller in numbers when invited to compete in events in Hanoi and HCMC, but we are constantly proving that the size of our team doesn’t always matter and we can make a splash in the bigger cities.
Despite only having 16 members, last year the HAIS Elite team made a name for itself in the competitive swimming community of Vietnam and South East Asia. In the first year of our school’s inception, we built the HAIS pool and our students have gone on to compete in International Swim Meets in Hanoi and HCMC. This year, they have even been invited to Cambodia and Bangkok for special events.
This success can be attributed to the excellent coaching staff. Swimming coach Mr Elton trains the Elite team on Monday and Wednesday at a 25m pool in Hoi An from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM. Ms Amanda will coach the Developing swim group, which means that all swimmers get to have a go regardless of their level and can strive to get to the Elite even if they are still developing their skills.
“The squad’s achievements are a true reflection of what can happen when you put your heart and soul into something. What they have achieved is very deserving,” says Mr Elton, our head Swim Coach, who is known at HAIS for his wit, warmth, and powerful optimism.
Along with our Head of Sport, Mr Yoann, both Mr Elton and Ms Amanda strongly believe in the power of personalised attention in their coaching methods. With small groups, they are able to get to know each swimmer and their abilities on an individual basis. This allows them to tailor their approach to each swimmer’s strengths and weaknesses and push them to reach their full potential.
Mr Elton said; “We understand that every swimmer is unique, and we strive to create an environment where they can thrive and succeed. Our coaching staff works closely with each swimmer to help them set and achieve their goals, whether that means improving their technique, increasing their stamina, or competing at a higher level.”
“At HAIS our swimmers aren’t just numbers. They are individuals who are noticed and pushed to do their best. And as the success of the HAIS Hornets swim team has shown that this personalised approach can yield incredible results.”
The first Swim Meet will take place at the United Nations International School in Hanoi on Friday October 27th – 29th.
