It is The Mission Viejo Nadadores no body comes close!
In 1968 when the Nadadores team was formed, it was comprised of 25 swimmers who competed in local events. In 1974, the Nadadores women won their first National Championship title. Since that time, the Nadadores have won 47 National Team Championships, 12 Olympic Gold Medals, 7 Olympic Silver Medals, 1 Olympic Bronze Medal, 5 Individual World Championship titles and 148 individual National Championships. The Nadadores have broken 91 American Records, 22 World Records and have produced more than 135 All-Americans. In 1992 ownership of the Nadadores passed from the Mission Viejo Company to the Mission Viejo Nadadores Foundation which oversees both the team’s swim and dive programs. The foundation is run by volunteer parents who dedicate hundreds of hours on a monthly basis to the sports of swimming and diving."

Just the facts!

One of the great things about the Nadadores is our tradition of excellence. Often times I’ll cross paths with some in the sports world who talk about the amazing Nadadores as though it was something that happened long, long ago. Sure the accomplishments of athletes such as Brian Goodell, Shirley Babishoff and others from the early days of our team are amazing – even by today’s standards. However, what is happening right here, right now is also extremely noteworthy.

Did you know?
This past weekend members of our Olympic group (teammates of every Nadador who walks on deck everyday) competed at the USA Grand Prix in Columbia Missouri. This was the first long course meet in the Grand Prix series as well as the first major U.S. long course meet of the season. When we looked at the psych sheets for the meet we knew it would be a blazing meet – after all, everybody’s chasing the Olympic dream. Of course, all the current super stars were there: Phelps, Hoff, Peisol, Torres (a former Nadador, and now a 40 year old mother, who’s still at the top of her game in the sprint events), Zeigler and Vendt. Over the course of the weekend there would be several US open records eclipsed and THREE WORLD RECORDS established. But Coach Rose and his crew of world class talent didn’t go to just swim in the meet – they were there to compete.

And boy did they put up some competition. World University Games double gold medalist and record holder, Chad La Tourette posted one of the most amazing swims in the 1500 grabbing the silver medal in an amazing 15:03 (a time that would have secured him a spot on the 2004 Olympic team). La Tourette also swam lifetime bests in the 400 free, the 200 free 400IM and the 100 back. Pan American Gold Medalist (and famed 10&u Assistant Coach) Fran Crippen was 3rd in the 1500 in a lifetime best of 15:20. Crippen also posted lifetime best in the 200 Free, and the 400IM. Not to be left out of the mix, Denny Collum continued his charge in lowering his personal best in 400 Free, 200 Free, 200 Fly and the 400IM. Charlie Rimkus was also right on track with a best time, and Olympic Trials qualifying time, in the 400IM. Rimkus, rounded out his portfolio of swims with lifetime bests in the 200 Fly, 200 Free and 200IM.

The Nadador women also had their share of success. Pan American Gold Medalist, Chloe Sutton was 2nd in the 800 behind and 4th in 400 free. Micha Burden, recovering from a broken rib sustained at last month’s open water world cup in Brasil posted amazing swims in both the 800 and 400 freestyle events.

Our Nadadores are looking awesome at this point of the Olympic year. Coach Rose is right on track to continue the streak of placing a Nadador on every Olympic Team since 1972.

But did you also know?
These amazing accomplishments do set us apart as on the world’s best swim clubs – but it’s the tradition our athletes experience everyday that makes us one of a kind.

I was recently talking with a former age group team mate who was on the ’92 Olympic team. He asked me about what it’s like to work for the Nadadores (a program we both admired when we were age groupers). I told him about the excitement of watching world class athletes train right outside my office, but this was merely a small part of what makes us great – and keeps me motivated. I went on to explain the amazement I feel in watching young swimmers make their way to the teaching pool for a swim lesson or a novice practice while Coach Rose pushes his group toward new standards and how this literally charges my afternoon energy levels. Moreover, I spoke of the enthusiasm I feel when I see wide eyes of Coach Siga’s 8&u swimmers as she explains technique while the young Nadadores watch their elite teammates. Sharing the excitement I see on Coach Fran’s face as he musters up incredible energy for his 10 & u swimmers (I never lose sight of the fact he does this after over 4 grueling hours in the water) makes me proud to be a Nadador.

As I shared these examples of greatness my friend reminded me how special this is for us here at the Nadadores. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that most age group swimmers are lucky to see their swim idols once a month in the pages of “Swimming World”. But the young Nadadores get to see Olympic greatness nearly every day. It’s easy to take our good fortune for granted. The fact that all our athletes are led by one of the country’s most professional and experienced coaching staffs is a privilege. The fact our athletes and coaches have access to the latest swim videos is unique (most swimmers age group swimmers in the United States see elite racing during the Olympic years). The fact that our athletes have access to video analysis and other sophisticated training devices is special. I could go on and on about what makes the Nadadores like no other club – but it boils down to the contributions of each and every swimmer, coach, parent, and supporter. Coach Rose is quick to remind his athletes that their success is a result of not just their hard work – but it also comes from the support they receive all of their nearly 800 fellow teammates.

As we charge forward in our 40th year of excellence let us never forget the foundation on which we’re built. It’s a foundation set by Coach Schubert (USA Swimming’s current National Team Director) and carried on by the amazing staff led by Coach Rose. It’s family of swimmers, parents, coaches and supporters that will continue to propel us as the Nadadores continue to push the envelope in establishing the gold standard of swim clubs.
Every day may not be easy, but it’s always a great day to be a Nadador. Here’s to YOU!