Empowering Aruba’s Coaches and Athletes for Long-Term Success. Behind every great swimmer is a great coach—and in Aruba, the drive to elevate coaching has never been stronger. During the visit of the World Aquatics delegation, world-renowned swim coach and advisor James Gibson led a series of three powerful coaching sessions that brought new insights, motivation, and connection to the heart of Aruba’s swimming community.

These sessions weren’t just theoretical—they were designed to challenge assumptions, provoke conversation, and offer practical tools for developing both coaches and athletes.

Session 1: What Does an Athlete Really Need From a Coach?

The first session took place on Monday evening, bringing together local coaches from clubs across the island. The discussion was framed around a simple but deeply important question:
“What does an athlete truly need from their coach?”

James Gibson didn’t offer quick answers. Instead, he facilitated a dynamic exchange of perspectives—encouraging coaches to reflect on their roles, ask tough questions, and think from the athlete’s point of view. He blended personal stories from elite competition with practical takeaways, reminding everyone that great coaching starts with great listening.

Session 2: Coaching the Coach – Growing Our Support System

On Tuesday, the theme shifted toward long-term coach development. James emphasized that a coach’s growth is just as important as an athlete’s. He challenged the room to think beyond drills and technique—to consider mentorship, continuous education, and peer support as essential pillars of effective coaching.

This session was particularly impactful for younger coaches, many of whom expressed how rare and valuable it was to have this kind of open dialogue and professional input.

Session 3: Bringing It All to the Pool

By Wednesday afternoon, it was time to apply ideas in the water. The delegation, joined by Olympians, local officials, and the President of World Aquatics, gathered for a hands-on coaching demonstration at the pool.

James led a dynamic session involving both coaches and athletes, sharing real-time feedback, adjustments, and encouragement. There was a tangible sense of excitement as theoretical concepts transformed into visible progress in the water.

The pool session created a unique atmosphere of unity and shared purpose—where coaches coached each other, athletes listened and asked questions, and leaders observed with admiration.

Conclusion

The three days of coaching left a lasting impression. James Gibson’s insights gave Aruba’s coaches tools to improve their craft, but more importantly, confidence in their role as change-makers for their athletes.

As Aruba continues to invest in youth sports, coaching development will remain at the core of that journey—and this week was a major step forward.