SIX-TIME world champion swimmer Mark Foster paid a special visit to Mole Valley last week.
The Olympian, who won 47 international medals in his professional career, held a training day "academy" for aspiring young swimmers at Leatherhead Leisure Centre on May 29.
The session was packed with youngsters looking to improve their strokes and learn as much as possible from Mr Foster, who was also joined by fellow former world champion Katy Sexton.
"The academy is a way to continue the legacy of 2012, and a fantastic opportunity for young aspirational swimmers to learn and be inspired by people that they may have seen on TV, but more importantly have years of experience and have been there and done it," said Mr Foster.
"I remember what it was like when I was starting out on the path that led me to six world titles and I know that I would do anything I could to get hold of any ideas, techniques and information to help me improve.
"So, when I stopped competing, I decide that I wanted to do whatever I could to help today's young swimmers become tomorrow's champions.
"I've put together a team of some of the most knowledgeable people in swimming to help me cram the day with the most up-to-date techniques, drills and methods available to swimmers."
The intensive training day focused on speed, landing techniques, flexibility, core training and race preparation, with work taking place both in and out of the pool.
Mr Foster achieved eight separate world records during three decades of competitive swimming, making him one of the most successful British swimmers of all time.
A ten-time European champion and two-time Commonwealth champion, he also qualified for Team GB at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 at the age of 38.
Visit www.leatherheadleisurecentre.com or call 01372 377674.
