SPP's ALTS "Debuts" at Champs

For some of the swimmers from SilverPeak Performance, the Short Course Meters Championship Meet was not just a competition – it was validation.

Tenn Nuchkasem, 30, competed in the 100 free, 50 free, and the 400m freestyle relay. “After going through a near-drowning experience at age six, I developed an abject fear of the water. I was never able to conquer that anxiety and enjoy the activity almost every kid does. Today, I am incredibly grateful for SilverPeak’s Adult Learn-to-Swim program that equipped me with the skills to feel safe and confident in the water. The element of embarrassment in being an adult who doesn't know how to swim is eliminated by the very nature of this program.

With such a supportive environment and feeling that you're not alone, the program truly empowers you to take the steps to not only learn how to swim but to fall in love with the sport. I experienced this passion for swimming from being a part of an Adult Learn-to-Swim relay,. With SPMS and SilverPeak providing the opportunity for new swimmers like me to experience the adrenaline of swimming in a race, I feel accomplished, grateful, and motivated to becoming a better swimmer.”

Head Coach Charles McPeak gets teased a lot by our swimmers, because in situations like this, he usually gets something in his eye. “I thought I was doing something cool when I taught my wife how to swim. But, no offense Kris, that was nothing compared to what we are doing now with ALTS. It’s the coolest and most important thing I’ve ever done.”

SilverPeak Performance is approaching their second year with a grant from the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation, but Coach Charles has taught more than 100 adults to swim since starting SilverPeak in 2017.

Sandi Liu joined the ALTS program in late summer. “I was 100% land animal until three months ago, when I took my first Adult-Learn-To-Swim lessons with SilverPeak Performance, where I learned to do a proper freestyle stroke (with my face in the water!) and breathe to the side. Coaches Charles and Anthony helped build my confidence in the water to the point where I participated in my first swim meet! It was very fun, exciting, and rewarding. SilverPeak Performance is a great supportive club for swimmers of all levels.” Sandi was another swimmer who competed at the Short Course Meters Championship meet, coming home with ribbons and bragging rights. Her husband, Darren, was running a 50K race on the Saturday where Sandi did her first relay with SilverPeak! Talk about a focused family!

Pat Luangeaktrakul was specifically referred to the SilverPeak ALTS program by Holly Neumann of USMS. Pat joined us in spring and participated in the Long Course Meet at UCLA Pat swam all three days of the swim meet at Long Beach. She told us, “I had a great time at the Long Beach (LB) Grunions Swim meet because the team and officials were very nice and friendly. Members from the LB team members thanked us for swimming and participating in the meet. This was my 3rd swim meet since I learned how to swim with the Adult Learn to Swim Program. But this meet was special for me because it was the first time I started off the block and I completed in my individual longest distance (200m), plus two relays with teammates.

The Adult Learn to Swim Program has helped me feel comfortable in the water, and through Coach Charles; encouragement and positive coaching, I feel empowered with the tools and encouragement to become a better swimmer. Coach Charles is always very supportive, and knows how put his team at ease during our meets, especially when I was nervous. He made me feel like a part of the team no matter what level of swimmer I am, told me to have fun, and swim just like in practice. I did, and won 3 ribbons, and one medal.”

SilverPeak looks forward to April when “Adult Learn to Swim” month is in full gear.

--Kris McPeak, Executive Director of SilverPeak Performance