USAFE takes second in swimming competition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Martie Moore
  • 421st Air Base Squadron Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE MENWITHILL, England (USAFENS) --  The Component Command Air Headquarters Ramstein Swimming Championship was held Sept. 20 - 22 at Royal Air Force College Cranwell, England.

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe team took second place with 64 overall points.

The event is open to the Allied air forces of the Northern Region. The swimming contest included participants from the German Air Force Tactical Command, Belgian Air Component, Royal Netherlands air force, Royal air force and USAFE.

The USAFE team came together at training camp Sept. 14 - 19 at RAF Alconbury, England.

The team coaches depend on the swimmers to dedicate themselves to training prior to arriving at camp due to their limited time to train.

“With swimming, training is critical in the months leading up to the competition,” said the mens’ coach and swimmer Capt. Charles Toth, Occupational Health Element Chief, 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron. “Then, swimmers essentially rest in what we call a taper. This taper period can start anywhere from two weeks out or may only be a day or two depending on the individual. Therefore, we only did some limited sets to accelerate our heart rates and some limited hypoxic sets (breathe control). Our main focus was finalizing the roster and working on our relay exchanges.”

With swimmers coming from as far away as California, Alaska and Nevada to join the team, the coaches had less than a week to determine how to get the most out of their lineup.

“During camp we had time trials and I determined who is going to swim which event,” said the women’s coach Capt. Julie Freedman, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.

Although both the men’s and women’s team placed second to Germany, the USAFE team gave an impressive performance, according to Captain Toth.

Captain Toth, the previous record holder in the 50 Meter Men’s Freestyle, broke his own record with a time of 23.48.

“Well, to be honest, I was pretty surprised when I found out that I broke the record,” said Capt. Toth. “The first time I broke the record, I was actually training to get into the (World Class Athletic Program) in September 2002; my training was much more consistent. But I focused much more on weight training and adding strength to my strokes. I think that really benefited my swim,” said Captain Toth.

“Overall we did really well, but the Germans brought some really strong swimmers. They beat us this year and normally (the womens team) takes first,” said Capt. Freedman.

Capt. Jennifer Haney, 176th Air Control Squadron, Anchorage Alaska Air National Guard, was the only returning competitor from last year’s women’s team. The communications officer took first in the 100 Meter Womens Backstroke and second in the 50 Meter Womens Butterfly.

She led the backstroke from the beginning of the race; but was neck and neck during the butterfly.

“(During the backstroke) I was in first place and it was exhilarating, I knew no one was going to catch me,” said Captain Haney. “I got second in the butterfly, she out touched me, my blood is still boiling over that one. It’s all about winning; but you do it more for the team than yourself ... you don’t want to let them down.”

“Although swimming is primarily an individual sport, I believe that team camaraderie and a positive atmosphere are essential to success,” said Captain Toth. “Therefore, I try to emphasize cohesiveness and maximum participation during our ‘sight-seeing’ or down time. I believe that if the individuals are relaxed and comfortable, they will be more likely to perform at peak levels.”

Another important aspect of the event is the interaction between the countries participating.

“This year we were fortunate to play a ‘friendly’ game of water polo with the Dutch and the English,” said Captain Toth. “My favorite part about these experiences is the interaction with the military members from the other countries Belgium, England, Germany and Holland. It’s great to form friendships and experience different cultures year in and year out.”