Course unforgettable - swimmer praises Outward Bound
Taranaki swimmer Dylan Dunlop-Barrett is hoping that a recent stint at Outward Bound will see him heading for London to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games.
The 19-year-old, who has swum competitively since he was eight, was one of 12 swimmers from Swimming New Zealand's youth and age programme to be chosen to attend the Outward Bound course.
For Dunlop-Barrett the course was an unforgettable experience.
"I learnt so much about myself and others. We did a lot of activities that taught us about team work and how to train better, all of which will help me with my competitive goals," he said.
"The course provided a lot of challenges which helped us to understand more about our untapped potential."
The inaugural course was developed, along with Outward Bound, to help shape thinking and harness the untapped potential of the country's most talented emerging swimmers.
"Those involved in the course were athletes from our youth development programme that have shown potential to represent New Zealand in future international swimming events," said Swimming New Zealand general manager of operations Mark O'Connor. "By including them in the Outward Bound programme, we're hoping to get them to take the next step up to elite level so that we can strengthen our base of athletes for future competitions."
The course covered a range of topics including how to foster a positive team culture, self-development, gaining feedback, and setting values and goals.
Dylan Dunlop-Barrett in action in the pool.
Source: Daily news, New Plymouth Taranaki
