Gold Medal Swim School

Gold Medal Swim School was founded in Chandler, Arizona by Double Olympic Gold Medalist and former Navy Seal Michael F. Troy. The first school was located at Ray and 56th Street between Ray and Chandler Blvd. The first week of lessons begin with 16 children and Olympic size dreams. Since 1995 the school has grown to an average of over 2,000 children and adults per week of all ability levels. During the Spring of 2007 Mike Troy brought on board Mike Walker as a partner. Troy coached Walker as an age group swimmer in California and was instrumental in Walker's career path as a swimming coach. After knowing each other for over 20 years it was a natural fit to bring "family" together. Walker had spent the previous 15 years working with elite level swimmers at some of the nations most prolific universities. After two Olympic Games and numerous International competitions he decided the family atmosphere of the Gold Medal Swim School was a perfect fit. Mike and his family moved to Phoenix in March of 2006. Once the original Gold Medal Swim School started bursting at the seams it was time to construct a new school. Construction began in the fall of 2006 on the 7200 sq ft space which provides ample space for children and adults to explore the joy of swimming or hone top level technique. The large pool (25' X 74'), large viewing window, 7 head shower area, and 30' X 20' changing area, provide the best environment for children and adults to learn and grow in the valley. What you see today at the corner of Ray and 56th street is the culmination of a dream, great people, and a belief in the Gold Medal method of teaching people of all ages about the joy of being in the water. While the new space is incredible, the best part of the Gold Medal Swim School has always been and will continue to be the staff. We currently employ over 50 people with 9 full time employees. The staff hiring process is pretty simple. Find motivated and energetic people that love and enjoy working with people of all ages. Once we find this type of person we teach them the Gold Medal way in over 40 hours of training and off we go. While we understand that many of our part time employees will move on to other life opportunities we believe the family atmosphere at GMSS is a bond that will connect us for a lifetime. We have grown by leaps and bounds since our first kid jumped into the pool. We are proud of our school and proud of how things have evolved. If you want to know more about the complete history, including how the original pool was built by hand to the first time the pool flooded just ask Mike Troy and he will tell you some tales.