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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula September 19, 2006 Text © 2006 Killer Whales Swim Team and courtesy Lori Witting. Photo © 2006 and courtesy Neil Hodges/USA Swimming. Reprinted with permission.

Olympic swimmer to visit Houghton Sept. 24

HOUGHTON -- Two-time Olympian Neil Walker will be coming to Houghton, Sunday, Sept. 24, to conduct a swim clinic sponsored by the Killer Whales Swim Team with funding from the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

Neil is just coming off the 2006 Pan-Pacific Championships where he was part of a new World Record in the 400 meter Freestyle Relay. Neil has two Olympic Gold medals, in addition to a silver and a bronze. A talented, all-around swimmer, he holds five American records in Freestyle, Backstroke and the Individual Medley. Neil grew up in Verona, Wisconsin, and then attended the University of Texas, leading them to a National Championship in 1998. While at Texas he was the NCAA Division 1 champion in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. He became the third man in history, joining Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi, to win seven medals at a major international competition when he won five gold and two silver medals at the 2000 Short Course World Championships.

“This is a rare opportunity to see world-class swimming talent up close in Houghton. A grant from the Keweenaw Community Foundation has made possible a visit that would normally be beyond the reach of a small program like the Killer Whales,” noted Killer Whales Head Coach Roger Woods. 

Neil Walker, third from left, celebrates breaking the World Record with his relay. Pictured with Walker are, from left Jason Lezak, Cullen Jones and Michael Phelps. (Photo © 2006 and courtesy Neil Hodges/USA Swimming. Reprinted with permission.)

The swim clinic will be from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Houghton High School Pool. The cost is $30 per swimmer registered before Sept. 20, $40 after that date and at the event. All interested swimmers are welcome to sign-up and attend, but space is limited so sign-up early. The clinic will include in-water demonstrations of all the strokes, a motivational speech, autograph signing and in-water instruction. Registration forms will be available at local sporting goods stores, fitness centers and main offices of the local schools. For more information contact Roger Woods at 487-7712 or e-mail Mike Meyer, Killer Whales President at meyermr@charter.net.