The Race Club’s mission is to promote swimming through sport, lifelong enjoyment, and good health benefits. Our objective is for each member of and each participant in The Race Club to improve his or her swimming performances, health, and self-esteem through our educational programs, services and creativity. We strive to help each member of The Race Club overcome challenges and reach his or her individual life goals.
The Race Club is owned and operated by Gary Hall, M.D., his wife Mary and members of their family. Dr. Hall is a three-time Olympic medalist (1968, 1972 and 1976) who was twice voted the World’s greatest male swimmer in 1969 and 1970. During his career he held 10 World records in four different events; individual medley, butterfly, backstroke and freestyle and captured 23 individual National titles and seven NCAA titles. As a swimmer under the legendary coach, Doc Counsilman at Indiana University, he was voted in 1970 by the Helm’s Foundation as the outstanding amateur athlete in North America. Dr. Hall considers his greatest honor as being selected to be the standard bearer in the 1976 Olympics and lead the great USA team into the Opening Ceremony.
After retiring from world-class competition in 1976, Dr. Hall established his medical practice in Phoenix, Arizona, where he owned and operated one of the most successful Eye Laser Centers in America. Throughout his medical career, Dr. Hall continued to compete in triathlons and swimming events, most recently breaking several world records in Masters swimming competition. In 2006, he retired from his medical practice in order to devote more time to his family and passion for swimming. He and his wife moved to Islamorada, Florida, to help direct the operations of The Race Club.
The Race Club provides facilities, coaching, training, technical instruction, video, fitness and health programs for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Race Club camps are designed and tailored to satisfy each swimmer’s needs, whether one is trying to reach the Olympic Games or simply improve one’s fitness. Our programs are suitable for beginner swimmers, pleasure swimmers, fitness swimmers, USA swimming or YMCA swimmers, or triathletes; anyone who wants to improve swimming skills. All of our Race Club members share an enjoyment of being in the water and use swimming to stimulate a more active mind and body.
Read more about the Race Club’s History.