I see the Facebook page NZSwim has published a photograph and quote from talented New Zealand swimmer, Paige Schendelaar-Kemp. Paige is clearly enjoying her time at Florida State University. This is what she says.

“Being a Florida State Seminole is a blessing I carry with me every day. I am a Seminole. I live and breathe it through my veins. Why? Because being a Seminole is not just Monday to Friday, it’s a way of life when you become a Seminole. You join a family of incredibly committed, dedicated, driven and loyal athletes.  It’s not just about who’s standing next to you but it’s about those who came before you and those who are to come.  We strive to be the best we can be and uphold the Garnet and Gold.  This year is our year.  Go Noles!!”

I don’t know Paige but I can understand her feelings. You see, I happen to know the guy who recruited her and is now the Assistant Coach for the Florida State team. His name is Oswaldo Quevedo. But we all called him Ozzie. He was a swimmer in my Florida swim team. He specialized in butterfly and, before we met, he swam for Venezuela in the Sydney Olympic Games.

He was also a huge talent. In the time he spent swimming for my Florida Club he broke two Master’s World Records in the 50 and 100 butterfly. He was swimming in the 30 to 34 year age group. Although I can’t remember the world record times exactly, they were 54 something for the 100 metres and 24 something in the 50 metres.

But better than all that you couldn’t find a nicer guy. A huge man at 6 foot 5 inches, he was always happy, always smiling. We had some great times together. Who would imagine a 30 year old Olympian and world record holder missing the final of his main event at the Florida State Championships because he was having trouble fitting into his tight swim suit. Ozzie did that but clearly thought it was hugely funny.

Below is a photograph taken at the same swim meet. Our club 4×100 relay team had just won the long course Florida State Championships. That was pretty special. We were not one of the big Miami or Ft. Lauderdale Clubs. And because of that, winning the blue ribbon relay was a great moment.

In the photograph Ozzie is on the far left, now complete with the tight swim suit. Skuba is next to him. He was a 50 second 100 metre freestyler and Florida Champion. Then there is Andrew who was Florida State High School 100 yards champion and Doug on the far right. Hidden in behind, in the straw hat, is a national 1500 metre champion, track athlete Alison. Her job was to make sure this crew didn’t miss any more events.

The four of them were huge fun to coach. Between them, I suspect they taught the coach more than he taught them. And not only about swimming. Ozzie managed to change another prejudice of mine. Until I got to know Ozzie I confidently held all the stereotype views on the Miss Universe contest. You know what I mean – nothing but a cattle market, all beauty and no brains, exploitation, all that stuff. But then Ozzie introduced me to his wife, Irene. She was certainly good looking but was also bright, well educated, interesting and funny. After a month or so I discovered she had also been the runner-up in the Venezuela Miss Universe contest. It was time for me to change my mind. Never judge a book by its cover.

And so I can understand the commitment Paige has to her school program. Her Assistant Coach is one of the best. He is one of the gentlemen of the sport. And, believe me, he could swim a bit as well. Paige, enjoy your stay at Florida. I’m sure you will. You made a good choice when you signed to become a Seminole.