Jefferson swim team visited by champion swimmers

The swimmers have both recently competed for a spot in the Beijing Olympics. Mary DeScenza competed in the 200 meter butterfly but finished just outside the margin. Neil Versteld, of South Africa, won a spot to the South African Olympic swim team in the 200 m breaststroke.

Humphries lead the two swimmers in a demonstration on proper technique for the four main styles (butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke and freestyle) for the Sea Dragon swimmers.

Humphries, who is also the head coach of the Athens Bulldog Swim Club, told the young swimmers the advantages of competitive swimming for youth and noted the character building benefits of the sport.

In a question and answer period, the Sea Dragons were able to ask questions about the experiences at the Olympic Trials and the decisions to focus on competitive swimming on into the championship level. DeScenza and Versteld also signed autographs for the team.

DeScenza won the gold and set two American records at the Short Course World Championships. Versteld will leave for the 2008 Olympics in China this week.