Michael Phelps isn't just winning gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Rio. He is also inspiring the next generation of elite athletes to train for their dreams.
Just before Team USA swimmers headed to Brazil, they stopped at Georgia Tech for training. During the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, the aquatic center at Georgia Tech was the site of swimming, diving and other water competitions.
Here are three places in Atlanta where you can nurture your kid's Olympics dreams.
SwimAtlanta. various locations around metro Atlanta. www.swimatlanta.com
For nearly 40 years, SwimAtlanta has been one of the premiere organizations for training competitive swimmers in Atlanta. At pools throughout metro Atlanta, SwimAtlanta offers several kinds of instruction, from private to small-group lessons for children and adults.
More than 10,000 students participated at SwimAtlanta this past year, and it has been the home-base for Olympians, including Amanda Weir, a Brookwood High School graduate who won a silver medal in Rio and has medaled in two previous Games.
Atlanta Judo Midtown. 2213 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30324. 404-805-6316. atlantajudomidtown.com
For kids who discovered judo by watching the Olympics, their parents should check out Atlanta Judo Midtown.
Kids who train there have competed at the Junior Olympics, and adult classes and family memberships are available.
Atlanta Triathlon Club. various training locations. www.atlantatriclub.com
Kids who love track and field can train with the Atlanta Triathlon Club.
The club has swim coaches and indoor spin bikes for people who are just getting into the sport; coaches encourage beginners to walk their way up to running in the Olympics.
The club gives people the opportunity to train for standalone running, biking or swimming events, as well as triathlons through private or group lessons. It has a specific program for kids.
Training sessions are held at various locations, including Piedmont Park.
