Published: August 19, 2008 11:34 pm            

Phelps’ gold rush benefits swimming

ASHLAND — Forget David Cook.

There’s a new American Idol and not even Simon Cowell could find anything wrong with him.

Hello, Michael Phelps.

It’s officially cool to be in the pool.

Phelps completed his quest in Beijing at becoming one of the greatest Olympic athletes on Sunday morning, winning his eighth gold medal. Meanwhile, young admirers from across the United States, including Ashland, are becoming obsessed with swimming again.

“He’s awesome,” said Sweetie Lowery, the aquatic director at the Ashland Area YMCA. “It’s had an impact on our sport. The kids are supposed to be on their break right now and they’re itching to get back into the water.”

If swimming needed a hero, it has one now. Phelps’ gold medal run has brought mega-media exposure to the sport.

Lowery said more people may now understand how difficult the sport can be.

“Swimming is very grueling,” she said. “Look what they say about him, how much he trains, eats and trains some more. Even though he’s the elite of the elite athletes, especially in swimming, there are kids here, Lexington, Louisville, Columbus and all over who train and swim like he does.”

If the average person didn’t know Phelps’ name before last week’s Olympics started, they sure know it now. His face has been plastered on Sports Illustrated, ESPN, multiple times on NBC and on advertisements everywhere.

Lowery said Phelps has been a hero to many swimmers for longer than the past week. She said one of her swimmers, Erin Frye, “idolized Phelps.”

“At our state meet this year, she had not made any national cuts,” Lowery said. “She hopped right in that water and made it. She was definitely inspired by him.”

Phelps’ exposure has done wonders for swimming, Lowery said.

“It really promotes the sport and creates interest from the kids who watch it,” she said. “We’re getting calls, asking about our program and how they’d like to try it.”

The YMCA swim program already attracts about 70 swimmers from ages 5 to 18, she said. Of course, there’s always room for more.

“Especially in our area, swimming takes a back seat to the b-sports (ball sports),” Lowery said. “If you go two hours away from here, to Lexington or Columbus, it’s right up there with them.

“We have quality but we don’t have quantity,” she said. “It takes a special person to be able to come in here. What they actually have to give the sport in the water is amazing, about 20 hours a week and then six to eight hours on dry land. They miss school stuff, social stuff, to go to meets. They swim, eat and sleep.”

Much like Phelps, the wonder boy of the Games.

Like the rest of the nation, Lowery was locked into each and every race Phelps swam.

“All the years I’ve coached, you can actually pick a swimmer out and say, ‘Wow! They could really go somewhere,’’’ she said. “Whether or not you can keep them focused long enough, that’s another story.”

The reward is great for the entire family, Lowery said.

“Swimming is not only for the actual athlete but the whole family. Without the parents, we wouldn’t be able to do our program.”

Those interested in learning more about the YMCA’s swim program can call (606) 324-6191.

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.

        

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