The journey towards this competition was the realization of a lifelong aspiration. For Rip Current Sports’ talented brand ambassador, Sarah “Mergoddess” Bofinger, the road to Santiago was paved with determination, passion, and a commitment to achieving a childhood dream. She’s a devoted aunt, vegan, proud Marylander, avid dancer, and now she’s a Bronze medalist for the Paralympics Parapan American (ParaPan-Am) Games!
Innovative Training Methods: Mastering Technique with Dual Boards
Dual Boards were a game-changer in her swimming regimen, a pivotal training tool that elevated her training. Utilizing the best kickboards for swimming, she immersed herself in dynamic drills using Dual Boards, refining her technique to shine in the competition.
Mergoddess hit a rough patch in swimming with previous frequent disqualifications, making her question if she should continue. But when she found Dual Boards, everything changed. The new swim training boards changed her routine, reigniting her love for swimming and boosting her confidence.
With the buoyant boards on hand, she navigated the H and M position to improve her breaststroke kick. As she advanced, her go-to routine included the 1-board isolation drill.
Learn more about those positions
- In the H Position, Dual Boards can be used flat or angled. Applying pressure helps swimmers find balance, leading to a streamlined posture for powerful, downhill-like kicks.
- In the M Position, Dual Boards enable swimmers to observe and understand their kick by watching their legs. They can analyze knee proximity, ankle flexion, and angle.
Mind Over Matter: Mental Preparation for Peak Performance
Success in high-stakes competitions goes beyond physical abilities—it also requires mental strength. Leading up to the event, she dedicated 20 minutes daily to focused breathing, developing a mindset of resilience, focus, and determination. That allowed her mind to be competition ready.
Triumph in Santiago: Winning Bronze and Setting Records
Despite the tough competition, Mergoddess succeeded, securing that bronze with an awesome season-best time of 1:38.74 – a testament to her physical and mental preparation. She also credits her success to her plant-based diet.
Championing Team Success: Supporting Fellow Athletes
Beyond personal achievement, she exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie, offering support to her teammates, fostering an environment of collaboration, and contributing to collective success in the pool.
Honoring Fred Evans
As February marks Black History Month, it is important to recognize and honor the contributions
of Black athletes who have made a significant difference in sports. In the world of swimming,
Fred Evans stands out as a trailblazer whose achievements continue to inspire generations of
swimmers.
Born and raised in Washington D.C., Evans began his swimming journey in a sport dominated
by white athletes. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles along the way, Evans’ passion for
swimming drove him to achieve remarkable success both in and out of the pool.
Breaking Records and Barriers
Evans’ groundbreaking achievements started during his collegiate years at Chicago State
University. There, he made history as the first Black person to win a collegiate swimming
championship. His victory in the 100-yard breaststroke at the 1975 NAIA Swimming
Championships marked a significant milestone, not only for Evans, but for all Black competitive
swimmers.
Throughout his collegiate career, Evans continued to shatter barriers, scoring three consecutive
NCAA Division II National Championships. He set records in both 1975 and 1977 in the
100-yard breaststroke. His dominance in the pool showcased his exceptional talent and his
steady determination to succeed in a sport where diversity was scarce.
Beyond his achievements as an athlete, Evans dedicated years of his life to coaching and
nurturing young swimmers. His commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes
highlights his belief in the transformative power of swimming to instill discipline, resilience, and
teamwork.
Coaching and Mentorship
In addition to coaching, Evans played a pivotal role in advancing diversity and inclusion within
the swimming community. As an advisor to USA Swimming’s Make a Splash initiative and the
International Swimming Hall of Fame’s African American Outreach Swim Program, he
advocated tirelessly for greater representation and opportunities for minority swimmers.
Fred Evans’ impact is deeply personal for many who had the privilege of knowing him outside of
competitive swimming. Our CEO, Jose Gallagher, met Evans during his freshman year of high
school in 1990. Fred led the swim team to three top finishes at the Chicago Public League
Championships. Evans’ generosity and kindness left a lasting impression on those he
encountered.
During their time at Whitney Young High School, Evans inspired his students to excel and
exceed expectations. He connected Jose with notables in swimming like Olympian William
Danforth (Bill) Mulliken. Thanks to Evans and Mulliken, Jose attended the 1991 Stanford
University Summer Swim Camp, a transforming experience that would launch his swimming
journey.
Evans’ Influence
Evans’ commitment to fostering a sense of community extended beyond the pool deck. He took
his students to the Black History Month swim meet in Washington DC. There, Jose and his
teammates met greats like Sabir Mohammed, Atiba Wade, and Joe Hudepohl. He shared
insight of his upbringing and personal achievements. Evans was present at significant
milestones, such as attending Jose’s senior year graduation party. This speaks volumes about
his character and dedication to those he cared about.
As Jose started swimming at the University of Minnesota, Evans was there for support. His
readiness to lend an ear during tough moments shows how much he impacted those he
mentored.
Evans’ legacy extends through his children, Olympian Aja Evans and NFL athlete Frederick H.
Evans, both ran around pool decks as children and then competing around the country and the
world!
In recognition of Fred Evans’ lifelong dedication to swimming and advocacy, Rip Current Sports
proudly honors him during Black History Month. Let us celebrate his achievements, honor his
legacy, and continue to support diversity and inclusion in swimming. In doing so, we honor not
only Fred Evans but also the countless unsung heroes who have paved the way for a more
equitable and inclusive future in athletics.
Before Sarah Bofinger, also known as Mergoddess, took her first steps, she was already making waves. Mergoddess, a devoted aunt, proud Maryland Terrapin, and passionate dancer, has now earned her place as a qualifier for the Paralympics Parapan American (ParaPan-Am) Games.
This venture is far from ordinary. It all began with a dream—a dream that would ultimately evolve into a hard-earned reality.
First Step: Meet Qualifying Times
Achieving a qualifying time was no easy task for Sarah. She has undergone seven surgeries due to congenital hip dysplasia. Determined, she opted to use the best kickboard for swimming, Rip Current Sports Dual Boards.
Dedicated Training
Sarah, a committed athlete, set her sights on becoming a champion breaststroker. Drilling with Dual Boards in her staple regimen, she became a faster, smoother, and more efficient swimmer, shaving precious seconds off her breaststroke. The result? Mergoddess became an eligible contender for the ParaPan-Am Games!
Mergoddess’ mobility, nurtured through her training with Dual Boards, isn’t limited to the swimming pool; it extends gracefully to the dance floor. Her movements are now fluid and her steps assertive, thanks to improved core strength, balance, and body control.
Unwavering Self-Confidence: A Catalyst for Success
Critical to her journey is Sarah’s unwavering belief that, through systematic, disciplined training, she can qualify for any national or international swimming competition. For the ParaPan-Am Games, coaching has focused on drills with the M-formation, a strategy that strengthens the breaststroke kick.
See how to perfect your M-formation here!
The Reward: Mergoddess off to Santiago, Chile
The reward arrived on September 25, 2023, as Sarah’s hard work was validated. Beginning November 17, 2023, Mergoddess will compete in Santiago, Chile, SA, marking a significant milestone in her journey. As she also fulfills her dream of traveling abroad to South America, she will undoubtedly inspire others to embark on their own travel adventures.
The Journey Continues
Regardless of the outcome, Mergoddess will be fully equipped with the improved skills and confidence cultivated through Dual Boards and Rip Current Sports IHM Swim Training Model. Her journey is a testament to the incredible transformation that dedication and the right swim products can provide.
Sarah Bofinger took the best kickboards to Hawaii this week and discovered what Dual Boards are like in the ocean! Sarah spent seven days with the Kona Dolphins age group team, learning new swimming techniques from Karyln Pipes. She said Dual Boards supported her transition from the pool to the ocean in the long term. She did a one-mile open swim with these buoyant boards and came in second in her age group, 10th in females, and 33rd overall out of 330 participants. She had lots of fun and learned new ways to be a mermaid!
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