Beginning on September 3rd, NBAC will add former Bolles coach Clare Blackwell to their coaching staff, working specifically with the Challenge 1 level. Her previous coaching job was three years with the national power Millfield program in the UK.
The fact that Blackwell is able to coach again, let alone is even alive, is a near-miracle. Blackwell is the coach who was critically injured in June of 2012 after being hit by an ambulance while competing in an Ironman race in France to raise money for charity.
Over $3,000 was raised by former Bolles swimmers, led by Lauren Neidigh, in honor of her charity: the Children’s Cancer Fund of Dallas.
After the accident, she returned to the United States for outpatient therapy a month later.
Though that unfortunate event may be what she’s most recently known for, her coaching credentials are incredible. She was an All-American Division III swimmer at Denison in addition to her coaching experience with Bolles and Millfield.
While at Bolles, she worked with 13-15 year olds and put 25 swimmers into the National Top 16 rankings lists, with 6 ultimately competing at the 2008 Olympics.
Clare is amazing in so many ways! With so much talent and an experience that makes her motivation and determination so so credible she will continue to inspire others wherever she happens to be. I hope she loves and enjoys her new position..I am confident they will love her! I will always appreciate the positive relationship she provided for Lauren.
i knew a few people who knew her from europe. i got a late night call telling me about the accident. i didn’t actually ever know claire, but i’m so happy for her that she is able to coach again after her horrific injuries
Clare is a wonderful coach! She has a gift for mentoring her swimmers. In addition to forming incredible relationships with her swimmers and coaching staffs, she is uniquely friendly, informative and communicative with parents 🙂
Great hire!
Hope to see you around the deck, Clare!
I just want to THANK Coach Bob Bowman and Coach Eric Posegay for hiring Clare. She is a very a very good coach and most important a very good person, and I have no doubts that the swimmers, parents and coaches at North Baltimore Aquatic Club will all benefit from Clare’s knowledge and way of being.
Thanks Branden & SwimSwam for your support during Clare’s accident and now.
GOOD LUCK Clare!
We miss you here at Bolles.