The fastest swimmer in the world will be in Grand Forks on Saturday.
Anthony Ervin, who earned that distinction by winning the gold medal in the 50 freestyle at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics, will speak to youth swimmers at Hyslop Sports Center on Saturday morning.
The event is being hosted by the Red River Valley Wahoo Swim Team and Mutual of Omaha.
Ervin is expected to tell stories about their Olympic experience, teach the young athletes how to overcome adversity and even jump in the pool and give some instruction.
Ervin first earned the distinction of fastest swimmer in the world by winning gold at the 2000 Athens Games in 50 freestyle. He also won a silver in the 4x100 at the Athens Olympics.
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Feeling burned out, Ervin took eight years off from competitive swimming from 2003-11, but decided to make a comeback.
Last summer, Ervin won two golds at age 35 in the Rio Games, one in the 50 freestyle and the other as part of the 4x100 relay team.
"He'll talk about his journey, which should be interesting and exciting," said Jason Uhlir, a board member of North Dakota Swimming LSC.
Ervin will host two sessions.
From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., there will be a session for swimmers age 10 and under. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a session for swimmers 11 and older.
Cost is $85 per swimmer. The cost includes a backpack bag, a t-shirt, a poster and an opportunity to take a photo with Ervin.
There's more information at gfswimclinic.com.
"It should be exciting," Uhlir said. "It will be great to have the fastest man in the world in Grand Forks."
