Swimming legend Shelley Taylor-Smith is giving kids and parents an opportunity to hear her first-hand experiences and learn the aspects of the sport at her upcoming clinic.

To be held at Hamdan Sports Complex tomorrow, the clinic will cover nutrition, stroke techniques and motivation so children get to know about the benefits of swimming, in and out of the water.

“Well, I’m a firm believer that swimming isn’t just a sport for competition, swimming is a sport for life,” Taylor-Smith said.

“I’m also a firm believer that every child, no matter what age, should really know how to swim, whether it’s swimming for survival or sport. That’s the focal point of what I do nowadays.

“I think it’s very important when you’re talking, [that] the children understand the real gifts and learning they’re going to get from knowing how to swim; it’s a life skill. You’re going to learn discipline, you’re going to learn focus, you’re going to learn goal-setting.”

Taylor-Smith is more than qualified to relay the message, as the Australian overcame scoliosis to be a seven-time World Champion in the pool.

As enthusiastic as she is in encouraging children to swim and stay healthy, Taylor-Smith also preaches the importance of balance to parents and talks about their role in their child’s life.

“It’s not all about the sport,” Taylor-Smith said. “You don’t want to throw all your eggs in one basket, because I’ve seen athletes do that and it becomes overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to let them switch off and let them be kids. They might be highly talented, but let’s look at the big picture.”

While Taylor-Smith also works with established athletes and advanced swimmers, she specifically chose Dubai to share her vast knowledge with kids who are either beginners or haven’t even started in the pool yet.

“I thought maybe instead of working at the top level, let me go to the grassroots with the kids,” Taylor-Smith said.

“And I love it, because that’s where I started. It’s just about getting them to have fun, love training, love swimming and love competing. If you create it, they will come.”

The cost of attending the clinic is Dh200 per person and the first 30 people to register will receive personally signed copies of Taylor- Smith’s biography, Dangerous When Wet – The Shelley Taylor- Smith Story.

Don’t miss out on gaining valuable tips, skills and advice on swimming and beyond from one of the sport’s success stories.

What: Shelley Taylor-Smith’s swimming clinic for kids and parents
Where: Hamdan Sports Complex
When: Sunday, September 28, from 18:30 to 20:30
Contact: SMS 052 960 0904 or visit www.openwaterswimmingmastery.com for details.