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MIRACLE SWIMMING®
African Americans and Swimming |
Cullen Jones
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There's a rich heritage of African and African American swimmers. The latest star is Cullen Jones, who has made the U.S. 2008 Olympic Team.
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Buoyancy Myth
There was once a notion that African Americans' bodies were denser than caucasians' bodies and that this gave African Americans a disadvantage in learning to swim. This notion has been debunked, but word still hasn't gotten around.
Even if African Americans' bodies were denser, it wouldn't matter: anyone can learn to swim. Few bodies are denser than Fred's, our retired Oakland, California cop / student who became a volunteer assistant to teach our classes, and then became a full-fledged instructor. His lean students take a look at him and say, "If he can do it, I can do it." Almost everyone can float, but if you're like Fred who can't float even with his lungs as full as birthday balloons, you can still feel safe in water and learn to swim as he did. |
Fred |
Hair Care Challenges
Yes, we all want to look good. But if you're struggling in deep water
somewhere, hair will not be your concern. Surviving will the the issue
of the moment. Knowing how to stay in control, tread water or float calmly
on your back will make the difference when it comes to controlling your
own destiny. Think about it. What
would you say to braids, or corn rows, or short hair for a few months,
or getting your hair done the day after class, so you can become safe
in water at last, for the rest of your life? Or, so you can enjoy the
water with your kids or grandchildren?
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Maritza Correia
Getty Images: Streeter Lecka
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- 2004 Olympic silver medalist
in 400m free relay
- Became the first African American woman to be
on the U.S. Olympic swim team and first African-American woman ever
to set an American record in swimming
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- American record-holder
in 50y free (previously held by Amy Van Dyken) 2003 NCAA Champion
in the 50 and 100 freestyles, and a gold medalist from the freestyle
relay at the 2003 World Championships
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A Program for African Americans and Inner
City Kids Coming Soon
The incidence of drowning in the African American and Native American popula- tions is
disproportionately high. The International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida has always had the banner slogan, "Every American
A Swimmer." Trouble was, they had no way to accomplish this since
they didn't have a way to teach swimming to students who were
afraid in water. They met MSI in September, 2006. Now the two organizations
are partnering to bring Every American Water Safety and Swimmerhood.
The first step? Go to the populations that would benefit most: African Americans and Native Americans.
Movie about an African American swim team, a true story: Pride
Released in March, 2007.
A true feel-good movie. We recommend it.
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A Breakthrough
In Teaching
That Will
Change
All Teaching
Since 1983
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