>>> Romain Barnier
“I used to be an average swimmer before leaving for the U.S. The system and the quality of the practices allowed me to reach new levels and to accomplish world-class performances. More importantly, in the meantime I was able to obtain an international university diploma and to become fluent in English.”
::: ROMAIN BARNIER :::
- Head of Swimming Department – Manager USA
- Graduate from Auburn University (USA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Olympic Finalist Athens 2004
- Bronze Medal World Championships 2003
- Silver Medal European Championships 2002
- World Champion University Games 2001
- Olympic Finalist Sydney 2000
- Champion and NCAA Record Holder (Auburn University) 1997, 1999
--- Who can obtain an athletic scholarship ? ---
- Any MALE OR FEMALE SWIMMER that has a National level.
- High-School students (last year of H-S, 12th grade) and university students
- There is no age limit
--- The Season / Calendar ---
The NCAA season begins September 1st and ends March 30th
- August-September: Emphasis on physical training (fitness, dry land, aerobic training)
- September-January: Regular swim Practices, weight training and “Dual Meet” competitions
- February: Beginning of taper, Qualifying meets for NCAA Championships (Conference Championships)
- March: NCAA Championships (most important meet of the year for the school and the swimmers)
- April-May: Preparation and practices for the 50 meters season
- May: End of the academic year
- May – July: Summer practices in the USA or in Europe
- End of August: Back to the USA for the start of the next season
---The Staff ---
In most US universities, the team’s staff is composed of:
- The “Head Coach”
- 2 or 3 assistant-coaches
- 1 fitness coach
- 1 trainer (physical therapist)
- 1 doctor
--- Practices ---
In high-level swimming teams, practices are very intense. Here is the schedule of a typical high-level team: Practice morning and afternoon Monday / Wednesday / Friday; afternoon only Tuesday and Thursday; and Saturday morning. Practice length and intensity depend on the level of the team and its specific program. On average, teams practice 1h30-2h30 per practice session. The Head Coach determines the specific schedule.
--- Road Trips ---
Teams travel by private bus or by plane, depending upon the distance. Generally, they travel the day before the competition and stay in high-quality hotels. While traveling, all expenses (hotel and food) are paid by the university, in addition to the existing scholarship.
