This, according to swim coach and former “Saipan’s golden boy” Jon Sakovich, is if they are committed and determined to reach the ultimate goal of swimmers.
Sakovich, who was named “Golden Boy” after brought home the first gold medal in swimming for the CNMI in the 1987 South Pacific games arrived here on Monday to assist in the swimming teams in Marpi.
“I teach over 30 kids every day ranging from 8 to 18 years old, but basically, what I want to instill in the students is the passion for swimming because this will inspire them to go on and reach their goals,” he said.
Sakovich won 5th in the 1992 Olympics and 8th place in the 1996 Olympics. He represented the CNMI in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea
Sakovich said his favorite is 400-meter freestyle and his best time was in 1994.
Sakovich served as head age group coach with the Clearwater Aquatic Team for four years and moved on to begin his coaching career in Gainesville with Florida Aquatics. In 2000, he joined the Bolles swim staff of the University of Florida.
“Bolles is one of the best swim camps anywhere and we send about five to six athletes to compete in the Olympics each year,” he said.
He added that children here are fortunate because there are lots of places to practice swimming.
He encouraged parents to introduce their kids to the water as young as six to eight years old but they should not force the children.
“Make the water experiences fun for the children. Don’t push them into the water,” he said.
Sakovich said the formula for success in swimming is passion + commitment + excellence.
Sakovich was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan yesterday.
He came from a four-day stint coaching swim teams in Palau. He will be leaving on Friday to coach more swim teams in the Marshall Islands for four days before going home.
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