Michelle Hanson

Michelle began her swimming career at the age of eleven with her neighborhood swim team.  After her first few swim meets she quickly developed a passion for swimming and began competing year round.  By the age of twelve she was ranked second in the nation in the breast stroke.  In high school she held multiple top 16 national times and state records.  She received a full scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU) and competed on the collegiate level for three years, qualifying for the Southeastern Conference Championships all three years.  Michelle received the Athletic Director’s Cup, for athletics and academics three years in a row.  In addition to swimming for LSU, she spent much of her time helping run Tiger Swim Camps at LSU aquatics facility for young children learning to swim.  After transferring to UGA to pursue a graduate program, she began running half marathons and marathons which eventually led to multisport competition. 

While at UGA Michelle became the coach for Athens Bulldog Swim Club (ABSC).  She became a water safety certified coach for USA swimming, and also became a certified personal trainer.  For five summers Michelle returned home to coach her neighborhood swim team-- two as head coach.  Michelle was awarded her bachelors degree in nutrition and is currently finishing a Masters program.
 

Michelle entered her first season of triathlon, and loved it!  Her first triathlon was the Gulf Coast Half Ironman.  During this race she beat every female out of the water, including the pros, and placed 3rd in her AG.  Michelle also qualified for the Age Group National Championship in her first season and will compete in her first Ironman in the fall of 2010.  Michelle is currently a masters swim coach, teaches private lessons, and especially loves working with the triathletes in the group.  She enjoys working with swimmers of all ages, especially beginners, and to watch them progress with proper guidance, stroke drills, and technique analysis.  No matter what your age or ability level, Michelle can help you improve your swimming and fast forward your progress in the sport of triathlon