Madison Area YMCA Vice President of Programs Kim Buccheri, Associate Aquatics Director Caitlin Balagtas, Senior Aquatics Director Yean Jimenez, Senior Assistant Coach Kristen Weinberger, Competitive Aquatics Director and Head Coach Kevin Carney, Rowdy Gaines, Senior Assistant Coach Tom Long, Senior Assistant Coach Thomas McNally, Gray Lead Coach Kate Hay, Silver Lead Coach Mike Bradley, and Associate Aquatics Director Jesus Abreu. 

Madison Area YMCA Mariners swimmers, friends, and family get ready for the launch of the 2024-2025 Competitive Swim Team season with motivational speaker, retired sports commentator, and three-time Olympics gold medalist Rowdy Gaines. 

Madison Area YMCA Mariners Swimmer Logan Montesano, age 10 of Whippany, shares a picture with Rowdy Gaines as Gaines signs his biography Rowdy Rising: From Rejected to Unrivaled.

Madison Area YMCA Senior Aquatics Director Yean Jimenez was honored to hold one of Rowdy Gaines’ gold medals from the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles, California.

September 12, 2024 - The Madison Area YMCA Mariners Competitive Swim Team welcomed 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist and retired NBC sports commentator and analyst Ambrose “Rowdy” Gaines IV on August 29, 2024. Gaines, who was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1995, has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest freestyle swimmers of his time. A tireless advocate for swimming safety and education, Gaines delivered a motivational presentation that the Mariners Swim Team was honored to host in the Family Center’s Sports Gymnasium. 

Competitive Aquatics Director and Head Coach of the Madison Area YMCA Mariners Swim Team Kevin Carney expressed appreciation for the event. "Having Rowdy Gaines share his experiences and passion for swimming was truly inspiring for our athletes. It set the perfect tone as we prepare for the start of our 2024-2025 competition season." 

The Madison Area YMCA Mariners are excited to launch their new season with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment, buoyed by the motivation from Gaines’ visit. The team looks forward to challenging themselves in upcoming meets and building upon their successes from previous seasons. Learn more about Madison Area YMCA competitive teams here: https://madisonareaymca.org/programs/competitive-teams. 

The Madison Area YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the community through programs like the Mariners Swim Team that promote healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. We strive to create a welcoming environment for individuals and families to thrive.  

As a mission-driven charitable organization and community wellness center, the Madison Area YMCA is dedicated to nurturing the potential of our youth, providing a safe space for teens, improving the community's health and well-being, and giving back by providing support to our neighbors.