Mike Parratto Shares Coaching Stories of Regan Smith, Jenny Thompson, and More

by Garrett McCaffrey 4

February 10th, 2023 Club, News, Podcasts, Video

In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman HodgesGarrett McCaffrey, and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.

Mike Parratto has a very unique perspective on greatness, having coached two Olympians more than two decades apart. In this SwimSwam Podcast chat he goes into details about both Jenny Thompson’s and Regan Smith’s road to greatness. Mike tells stories about each of them having races at young ages that showed their unique abilities. He also gets into some pretty amazing sets from both of them.

On top of coaching Olympians he’s also father to one, as his daughter Jessica made the 2016 and 2020 US Olympic Team, winning a Silver Medal in synchro diving. Success and swimming run in the family. Mike’s wife Amy has coached with him for 40 years. He gives some insight into that family dynamic and what makes them such good partners.

He and Amy spent 26 years at Seacoast Swim Association in New Hampshire before moving to Indianapolis to support Jessica’s diving. They now coach at Riptide Swim Team in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

This is a long discussion filled with amazing stories and fantastic insight.

 SWIMSWAM PODCAST LINKS

Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com

Opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the interviewed guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC and/or SwimSwam advertising partners.

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Ghost
1 year ago

Did I miss something? Mike didn’t mention the Eagles two days before the Super Bowl?!? Very surprised…Mike, the ultimate Philly fan, as most Philadelphia people are! Great guy and great coach!

Agree that Coach Bergen was a planner and the best combination of training (pool and dryland) and technique!

Seth
1 year ago

I have met Amy and seen Mike coach. They appear to be nice people

2Fat4Speed
1 year ago

I swam for Mike. He was my first club coach and got me serious about a sport I grew to love. He knows his stuff!!

MCH
1 year ago

Good guy
Good coach
Only thing he likes better than swimming, is talking.

Love ya Mike.

About Garrett McCaffrey

No one lives the sport of swimming like Garrett McCaffrey. A Division I swimmer who spent 4 years covering the sport as a journalist, now coaches club swimming and competes as a masters swimmer, Garrett truly lives the sport of swimming. After graduating from University of Missouri’s award winning journalism program …

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