The impact of Clarence Gatliff: The Swimming Legend

By the time I started swimming he was a legend, all of the older recreation coaches reverenced him. He was involved in many ice- breaking educational and recreation/sports activities in the state. He coached and mentored many of the black swim coaches around Detroit, including my high school swim coach, Ernie Rodgers at Northwestern High School. After his passing, around 1977 the Aquatics department of the city of Detroit paid homage to him, at the annual Gatliff Relays that was named in his honor, and was held at the Brewster Center, by presenting his wife with a dedication award. This Minority swim meet attracted hundreds of swimmers, both young and old from across the state. One of the most noted swimmers who came out of his program was Motown great Diana Ross, and even the "Brown Boomer" boxing legend Joe Louis used to swim there. The outdoor pool in Detroit's Palmer Park is named after him as well. -Coach Greg Robinson

On a Saturdays swim some Detroit history was placed upon me. Clarence Gatliff, for some the name may ring a bell. For others who may inquire about the name little results are found via google or literature. The name for the younger generations may be of an urban legend.

Gatliff helped to spearhead swimming in Detroit, especially for Black Detroiters. Legend has it, in the 1940's he challenged then NCAA Champions University of Michigan swimming team to a meet with all Black young men and won. There are many swimmers of his legacy left like Coach James at King High School being one of the oldest and Coach Gregory Robinson, many Detroit swimmers are the offspring of this impact.

Swimming in Detroit is huge. Roger Harsen, member of Detroit Masters Swim Club joined his first swim team at age 11 without knowing how to swim. "My parents welcomed my choice because several years prior, I had two near drowning experiences," he said, "Dedication to the sport and the team kept me from engaging in bad behavior, i.e. selling or using drugs, committing other crimes, being a menace to society, etc." Harsen has been swimming for a few decades now and is a great community member.

85% of Americans said they can swim; while it seems as only 15% of Americans can not swim, it has been proven that 56% of that 85% could perform the five basic skills for water competency. Of that only 40 % of those feel comfortable saving a life. Simply put, half the country will be wiped out if life depends on surviving in water. Swimming is considered a basic life skill. As some of us saw last summer in Montgomery, those skills can help to save a life in more ways than one. African Americans are most likely unsuitable to swim. 64% of Black American children cannot swim. Places like the YMCA of Detroit and Detroit Parks and Recreation Detroit are encouraging and teach swimming.

Detroit Parks and Recreation host swim lessons for all ages at several centers. DPRD also has swim teams at their facilities with pools. "My coach and team supported and developed me as a supportive and nurturing family," says Harsen, "Besides being a vital lifesaving skill, swimming is also a life developing activity. It offers recreation, meditation, and physical benefits. When taken to higher levels, swimming provides body fluidity, team bonding, lifesaving abilities, and is an exceptional therapy for PTSD."

In fact, one hour of swimming burns 40% more calories than biking and 30% more calories than running. It strengthens your heart and lungs. Swimming works all muscle groups making it an awesome recreational exercise. If you need encouragement visit your local recreation center pool. You will see swimmers young and old. Lifeguards and swimming coaches who will openly accept you at whatever stage of swimming are there to help.

In Detroit, the Gatliff's effect is still happening. Adam's Butzel Complex will host 'Carl Edwards Memorial Swim Meet' honoring one of the first swimmers taught by Clarence Gatliff. The meet is Friday, Feb. 23, warm-up time is 5:30pm. The event will be a great introduction for kids and young teens to see and learn about the different styles and activities of swimming. Detroit Masters Swim Club, legacy of those trained by Gatliff, is looking to gather 100 swimmers to participate in the Michigan's Masters Swimming State Championship this April at Wayne State University. This year swimming may be the new thing you try. A wise man once said, "From embryo to birth we are swimming in a womb. This is initial training for all mammals to swim."

For more information visit:

http://www.dprdathletics.com