Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, hosted two sessions of swim clinics for youth swimmers on Saturday, January 30, 2010.  All 120 spots had been filled, and Morrison Seahorse Swim Club member Amber Vegter thought she would have no chance to attend.  However, a fortunate cancellation allowed the 12-year-old to fill the vacancy.  She is the daughter of Tim and Jill Vegter.

Amber was assigned Lane 6 for her clinic instruction.  Gold medalists Josh Davis and Aaron Peirsol instructed 60 students as a group; then the student swimmers applied the techniques and drills in the water.  Vegter is in seventh grade, and she has been swimming since kindergarten.  Currently, her favorite events are the individual medley and the butterfly stroke.

After the swim clinic participants met each Olympian, had photos taken by proud family members, and received autographs.  Included in the meet-and-greet time was the privilege of wearing actual gold medals earned by the presenters.  Davis, pictured on the left, brought a medal from his win in 1996 at the Atlanta, GA, Summer Olympics.  Peirsol, right, shared a medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.  Vegter's experience was truly a "golden opportunity."

Find out about the Morrison Seahorses at www.morrisonseahorseswimclub.com.