Interview with August's Community Champion of the Month - Jo Young

When did you first start swimming yourself? Did you ever compete?

I have been in aquatics all my life. I started as a competitive swimmer at the age of 6 and went until I was 17. I started working in the aquatic field after I moved from New Westminster to the wonderful community of Kitimat BC. I was a lifeguard/swim instructor for over 25 years and I was a swim coach with the Kitimat Marlins for 20 years before I retired. My husband an I moved to Fort McMurray and have lived here for about 7years (I think) time flies.

How long have you been coaching swimming for now?

I have coached with the Manta swim club now in my fourth year with the Swim School.

What is your favourite thing about coaching?

What if my favourite thing about coaching…that is easy …the amazing kids :))) Teaching them about this amazing sport of competitive swimming (it is such a great life skill). I try not to only teach swimming but the meaning of “team spirit” making new friends and sportsmanship. I try to make it a safe place to achieve what ever they set out to succeed in.

We heard about the lollipops... when did that start and what was the driver behind initiating that sweet reward?

Lol the lollipops was just a one time thing I brought in for a fun day of activities and the kids just loved it and so now we have made it a staple. The kids look forward to it at the end of their practice. I need to buy stocks in the lollipop industry lol.

What is one piece of advice that you think is super important for other coaches to consider in terms of making that positive connection with athletes?

One piece of advice of advice…that is hard..I have a couple. Fun Fun Fun and listen to the kids. I have learned so much from my little friends. The kids are always up to talking to about their day in school their buddies and I try to get to know as much as I can about them so I am able to help in away I can with anything. Sometimes just listening them talk to us about a touch day at school and helping them out there means so to them. Always make time to talk. 🙂

Finally, you already did so on the radio, but is there anything you would like to say to your athletes that you coach and those that nominated you?

Oh my gosh I really don’t have the words to say exactly what this has meant to me. I’ve done nothing but think of it all day. I have never in my coaching career been short of the right words. :)) I am truly thank full for each and every one of our young swimmers. My greatest joy is watching them proceed onto the competitive aspect of the club and see the huge smiles on their faces as they face their first race. I am like a proud mama and my heart if full of pride. I find great joy in talking to the kids and just to let them know how so very far they have come. From not being able to swim more than one length of the pool to doing perhaps 8 lengths. From not being able to do breast stroke kick and finally getting it and seeing them light up. From doing a front dive off the blocks for the first time and coming up with the biggest smile. I want to say thank you to each and every child and to let them know how so very proud of you I am. I truly hope you carry that feeling for the rest of your lives and just to always remember “you can do anything you set your mind to” you are amazing, wonderful and a joy to coach. I also want to thank all my assistant coaches for all their help and expertise and the wonderful support I receive from our board of directors. I love you all and I thank you all.