Profiling Bradford Winsor

Bradford Winsor, was born in Hoopa, Calif., (outside of Eureka). His family moved to Fairfax, Va., when he was eight, but returned to Sacramento when he was 12 years old. Brad said, "I learned to swim in Sacramento with the Citrus Heights Piranhas at age four. Having two older siblings swimming and a back yard pool encouraged me to swim." Brad has been competing since he was five years old.

He swam at Casa Roble Fundamental High School in Orangevale and made All-American all four years. He continued swimming at UC Davis for four years (1991- 1994) where he earned college All-American 19 times. He was NCAA Division II champion in the 1650 free in his freshman year in 1991 in a time of 15:35.6, and a 500-SCY NCAA record in 1993 with a time of 4:28.93, both records that still stand as of 2001. He was also a member of the champion 800 relay both his junior and senior years.

Brad was named to the UC Davis Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001 and also competed in the USA swimming 10K open water championships.

He started swimming Masters after his second year at college. "Mike Collins (then with Davis Aquatic Masters) was my college coach and he encouraged me to start open water swimming. I have been competing in open water ever since." Brad achieved All-Star pool status in 1995 and All-Star long distance status in 1995 and 1996 setting eight USMS records in the 19-24 age group.

Brad is currently training with the Davis Aquatic Masters, but says that he is not as competitive now because of family responsibilities. Brad says that the open water season keeps him motivated. "I often find myself starting to get serious about getting into the water around April and May to get ready for the open water season. I just love to swim. I hope to stay competitive in open water and eventually get back into pool competition."

Brad started his coaching career when he was 17 with the Sierra Marlins Swim team, working with the eight and under age group. He was open water chair for the Sierra Nevada Swimming LSC for three years and meet director for several open water events. Brad is presently a swim coach for the Davis Aquadarts in Davis, Calif. He also teaches infant swim lessons during the warmer season. Brad says "The rest of my time is dedicated to child raising."