Book Private Swimming Lessons with Coach Michael

I started swimming at 8, and within five months, I won my first Junior Olympics. By 10, I was ranked 1st in California and 20th in the U.S., becoming the only Asian swimmer in my region to reach this level of commitment and the furthest to advance in the sport. I competed in national-level championships across Texas, Vegas, Seattle, and all over California. My hard work earned me a full-ride scholarship to a Division 1 school, where I competed at the highest level, coming just two seconds shy of Olympic trial times. Throughout my career, I was a team captain for my swim clubs and led my high school swim team from sophomore to senior year. Now, I use my experience to coach swimmers of all levels, making sure every lesson leaves a lasting impact.

I help swimmers improve their game by offering personalized coaching tailored to their skill levels and goals, focusing on technical skill development to refine their stroke techniques. Drawing from my experiences, I teach mental conditioning techniques that foster resilience and focus while assisting athletes in setting realistic goals and preparing for competitions with sectional and Olympic-level training strategies. I also incorporate dryland activities to enhance strength, flexibility, and mobility, creating a well-rounded fitness base. By providing encouragement and support in a positive environment, I inspire athletes to push their limits and believe in their abilities, ultimately enhancing their training experience and performance.

A typical lesson with me begins by assessing how well the swimmer is performing based on my knowledge and experience. I determine whether they need help with something as simple as floating or something more advanced, like swimming faster to the other side. I have a variety of technical advice and drills in my arsenal to suit their needs. I utilize kickboards and other equipment as needed, but sometimes we don’t require any equipment at all. I’m willing to get in the water to provide hands-on guidance, having trained many individuals who didn’t even know how to swim, but I charge extra for that upon request.

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible coaches throughout my swimming career, each shaping me in different ways. My first coach instilled in me a strong-minded willpower and unshakable mental fortitude. My second coach, though lenient, taught me that there’s always a way to improve if I put my mind to it, refining my stroke technique along the way. My third coach, a retired elite Japanese trainer, pushed me to develop the pacing I needed to break my limits. Finally, my university coach believed in my Olympic potential, training me day and night with specialized techniques tailored to my style. Each coach played a vital role in my journey, and I carry their lessons with me to this day.

Athletes and parents should know that I have a proven track record in competitive swimming, having achieved significant success from a young age, including being ranked 1st in California and 20th in the U.S. at just 10 years old. My diverse coaching experience has shaped my development, teaching me valuable lessons in mental fortitude, stroke technique, pacing, and specialized training for Olympic aspirations. As a former team captain, I possess strong leadership skills and understand the importance of continuous improvement, making me relatable and inspiring. As the only Asian swimmer in my region to reach a high level of commitment, I serve as a role model for diversity in sports. I am passionate about coaching swimmers of all levels, emphasizing that every lesson is designed to leave a lasting impact, and my journey reflects a dedication to goal setting and achieving excellence.