While many people were watching the Netherlands vs. Spain in the FIFA Word Cup final on the afternoon of July 11, there was a group of swimmers who were far too dedicated to their own sport to watch such things.

Area swimmers had the chance to be instructed by Olympic medalists Josh Davis and Lacey Nymeyer for four hours at the Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion.

Davis, of San Antonio, Texas, won three gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games, and two silver medals in the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney. After he retired from his distinguished career, he became a clinician and motivational speaker, helping young swimmers achieve their goals.

Nymeyer placed second, and set an American record swimming on the 400-meter freestyle relay team at the 2008 Games in Beijing. She also competed in the 100-meter freestyle, placing 12th, and continues to train in Tucson, Ariz.

Mutual of Omaha, which supports many Olympic athletes by giving them a place to train and supplying living arrangements, sponsored the camp. “These programs allow us to train for the Olympic games and allow us to give back, since we are not supported by the government,” Davis said.

The Olympians helped the young swimmers perfect their technique and learn the details that allow athletes to rise to the top.

“Basically we bring Olympians to local communities and work with the kids,” Nymeyer said. “It allows them to see we are real people and not just on the TV.”

The 60 campers ranged from ages 6 to 17, and they also varied in skill level.

“That is what’s great about swimming,” Nymeyer said. “No matter what level you are, you always can improve.”

The camp was a four-hour in-water stroke technique clinic. After listening to speeches from the Olympic athletes, the amped-up swimmers hit the water for demonstration and schooling on swim strokes and techniques. Later, the campers raced their instructors, putting what they learned to the test.

“It is really cool having them teach—it gives great insight and makes them more human,” Ashburn resident Stephen Clendenin said.

The awe-struck swimmers said the camp allowed them to learn how to swim better and faster.

“It’s good, it’s teaching me to swim better, and it’s a lot of fun,” said camper Gillian Videgar, of Ashburn. “It is good to actually hear what you are supposed to do.”

After the camp was over, the swimmers rushed over to their mentors to get autographs and pictures.

“It is just fun, seeing the kids’ light bulbs go off,” Davis said. “We want to make sure that they always know to do their best and that’s all that matters.”