GPAC named Bronze Medal Club for 2024

               GPAC earned USA Swimming’s Club Excellence Bronze Medal club designation for 2024 announced by the national governing body this week. This is the first award for the club since USA Swimming initiated the program in 2000 to identify swim clubs throughout the country that are producing national-caliber athletes.

               “This is truly a great honor to have our club recognized by USA Swimming as a high-performing program,” said GPAC head coach Greg Johnson, who has been with the club since 2010. “This has been a goal of mine for as long as I’ve been in Pensacola. GPAC has a tradition of excellence, and we are humbled to be recognized among some of the top teams in the country.”

               The Club Excellence program seeks to identify and promote programs that are developing well-rounded 18-and-younger athletes that progress to elite-level performers. The program also seeks to grant money to clubs to support ongoing program development. Swimmers score points based on time standards that equal, at a minimum, Junior National qualifying times. The top times and associated points are equal to the 200^th-ranked swimmer in the world in the event.

               Senior swimmer Logan Robinson, who posted Olympic Trial qualifying in the 200m butterfly this summer, also scored points for the club in the 100 and 200m freestyle and the 100m butterfly.

               Teams who become points-eligible for the award also must have organizational structure that reflects a commitment to USA Swimming’s athlete abuse protection protocols, and must have initiated the national SafeSport curriculum for the club.

               “I am very grateful for GPAC’s staff, volunteers, officials and great parents who support the athletes and help make our club one of the best in the country,” Johnson said.

               The club will receive special signage provided by USA Swimming in early 2024, as well as opportunities for grant-funded projects throughout the year. The club will work with USA Swimming to collect information and data on club operations during the time.

               GPAC was established in 1972, and its mission is to develop all levels of swimmers, and instill values and life-skills that foster success in all aspects of life.