One of the America's greatest swimmers, Olympic gold medalist Josh Davis, recently conducted an afternoon clinic for Viewpoint School's Varsity and Middle School swim teams.

"Josh got in the water with the kids and demonstrated several different drills and techniques for all four strokes, dives, and turns," said Viewpoint swim coach, Greg Bisheff. "He also talked to the students about other aspects of training, including diet, stretching, and his 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective Athlete.' To have an athlete of his caliber come and talk to our swimmers, not only about specific swimming techniques, but also about being a complete student athlete was truly an invaluable experience."

Ninth-grader Mitch Marmon, one of 55 swimmers attending the clinic, attested to the impact working with the Olympian had on his performance.

"He watched my swimming and gave me tips on my strokes and kicks, and really helped me with my starts and turns," Marmon said. "I was able to shave seconds off my time during the league championships, which occurred shortly after the clinic."

Davis, winner of three gold medals in the 1996 Olympics and two silver medals in the 2000 Olympic Games, is now a swim clinician, broadcaster and motivational speaker.

At the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, he made history as the only man in any sport from any nation to win three gold medals.

At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, Davis won two silver medals and was elected captain of the USA Men's Swim Team. He went on to break the American record three times in the 200-meter freestyle.

In addition to his stellar achievements in the pool, Davis has distinguished himself as ambassador for the sport of swimming and is an inspiration for the next generation of professional swimmers.

\Davis shared his "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Athletes" with Viewpoint's swimmers. These habits - what Davis call the foundation of the "Total Athlete" - can be used by athletes of all ages to help integrate the mind, body, spirit and heart for peak performance both in and out of the pool.

His motivational program includes discussion of finesse and improving technique, staying fit and flexible, eating well, having fun, knowing the importance of family and friends and always keeping faith in oneself.

Viewpoint School in Calabasas is a nondenominational, coeducational school of 1,200 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. A member of the California and National Associations of Independent Schools and the Cum Laude Society, Viewpoint offers a challenging college-preparatory program in a nurturing environment.

For more information about Viewpoint School, please visit www.viewpoint.org.