Magazine Jul-Aug 2018

STAFF FEATURE

Lean, Mean , Fighting Machine

Meet our new Aquatics Manager and Head Coach Greg Fasala, who joined us in April to helm our new pools! An Australian former sprint freestyle swimmer, Greg was one part of the famous Mean Machine team that won the coveted gold medal in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay in the 1982 Commonwealth Games. He later went on to win a silver medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and yet another gold medal in the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Read on to learn how this pro found his way to our sunny shores!

love Rickie and started our beautiful family of three - my son Cade (22) and two daughters Tereka (18) and Tenealle (16). I started my own business running a chain of gourmet food stores for seven years, but never strayed too far from the water. I eventually became one of the founders of Waterworx Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre in Springfield, Queensland, which delivers aquatic based programs while the Waterworx gym provides gym equipment and fitness programs. The past eight years saw me take up the role of Aquatics Director at Ipswich Grammar School in Queensland. A major part of this role was coaching and developing the swim team, with many of my swimmers representing at State, National and International levels. We have tried a few dive-in movie nights – parents relax in the pool with a glass of bubbly and children float on inflatables while mesmerized by the big screen under the watchful eyes of our lifeguards. We’ll be continuing these movie nights – look out for them! Aquatics group fitness classes will also increase in number and frequency as our instructors continue exercising their magic. Our Masters swimmers are being challenged each and every time they attend my training sessions – don't be scared though, these sessions are for all levels. Come join us! What are some upcoming programs Members can look forward to?

Mean Machine members: Greg Fasala, Neil Brooks, Michael Delany and Graeme Brewer. The famous quartet saw two of their four original members starring in a beer ad What inspired you to take on the role of Aquatics Manager at The Club? I have always wanted to work overseas and had visited Singapore before, so this part of the world always held a special interest for me. With my past experience and knowledge of aquatics and facility management, I felt that I had something to offer The Club and its programs. I am blessed to be able to go to work and do what I love doing, and that is being involved in aquatics. I was given the privilege and honor of representing my country and it was undoubtedly the most memorable and special time in my life. Swimming at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and winning medals in both – are fantastic experiences I will always remember. What’s your most memorable career-related experience so far? How was it like adjusting to life post competitive swimming? I moved to Brisbane, Queensland shortly after retiring from competitive swimming. I married my long-time

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THE AMERICAN CLUB JUL / AUG 2018