Message from GC

First, what better way to cool off this summer than with a refreshing jump in the lake! Thank you to our coaches that offer Michigan swimmers an opportunity to learn about and work on their open water swim skills. Chris Thompson is one of those coaches. A former American Record Holder in the 1650 free, bronze medalist in the 1500 m free, and a world leader in distance swimming, Chris offers open water swimming training a couple times per week during the summer months at Silver Lake. This past week, Maylee Qu, 11 years old, swimmer from dROP Aquatics, had her first open water swim experience with Coach Chris. Here is Maylee’s first-hand account of the experience:

“Open water swimming is truly a great experience. It is one of the most fun things I have ever done as a swimmer. Unlike indoor swimming, it is easier to get fresh air when you are out in the open. You can also enjoy the beauty of the lake and life all around you. Because of the open water, there is less cramming people into lanes like in indoor practice. It is much less repetitive- like circle swimming- and you don't have to count a designated distance in laps. You are free to go as far and swim as hard as you like, there are no walls or lane lines in the lake. In open water, you can experience swimming through different temperatures and areas of the lake. Some areas might be shallower or deeper than others, so everywhere you go is a surprise. Practicing in open water also means experiencing different currents. You might have to swim harder in some areas, and that can help with different speed variations in indoor swimming or during a race. Not only can you get a great workout from open water swimming, but you can enjoy all of these amazing things that come with swimming outdoors.”

Thanks again, coaches, for offering our swimmers a safe environment to explore the great outdoors!

Michigan Select Camp Update

Elite-level swimmers and coaches, mark your calendars for August 22-23, 2026. The MISI Camps and Clinics Committee is putting together a weekend camp at University of Michigan whose goal is to bring together the most accomplished athletes and their coaches for the purpose of building camaraderie and increasing education and awareness of the skill sets used by the world’s best swimmers. To qualify for this camp, swimmers must have achieved Winter Junior National time standards in at least one individual event. Next week, a letter will go out to head coaches of the swimmers who have been identified as being eligible.

Upcoming Championship Meets

Best wishes to all our Michigan Swimming athletes racing at championship meets over the next month. These meets range from the local to the international level. Whether your champ meet is with your local summers clubs, with Michigan Swimming at MAGS or ULTRAs, with USA Swimming regionally at the CZ 14 & U meet, Speedo Sectionals, or TYR Futures, or nationally at NCSA’s in Indy or Nationals or Junior Nationals in Irvine, CA, or international at the Pan-Pacs, we are happy you are racing and look for your best results ever!

Enjoy the heat of the summer!

Vince Gallant, MISI General Chair