July 27, 2006

Colorado Springs, Colo. - Maryland Head Coach Dave Durden spent last weekend in Colorado Springs, Colo., the site of the United States' Olympic Swimming Headquarters. While there, he delivered two lectures to the China Sports Bureau, a collection of the top Sports Scientists in China. The group included the VP of Beijing Sports University, a key individual in organizing the 2008 Olympic Games.

The lectures covered several subjects pertinent to the preparation and training of Olympic swimmers. In addition to speaking to the culture of collegiate coaching, Coach Durden addressed issues such as athlete training, technical advancements the equipment and techniques of swimming, and the importance of coordination to gaining strength. Durden focused on the methods he uses here at the University of Maryland while giving his talks.

Last season, the Terps boasted two former Olympians (Krisztina Kovacs and Yelena Skalinskaya) on their roster. Four other Terrapins are currently preparing for the World Championship Trials, which will take place AUgust 1-5 in Irvine, Calif.

"Having the opportunity to speak with the China Sports Bureau and understand the culture in which they develop and train athletes was extremely rewarding," Durden commented upon his return. "I was extremely excited to discuss the environment we are creating here at Maryland on a daily basis in developing our athletes in this sport at the highest of levels."

The lectures concluded a 6-day visit by the Chinese delegation to Colorado Springs.