Koror, Palau - Rova entered the programme with established coaching credentials, but quickly discovered the transformative value of learning from some of America's most successful swimming coaches. "I thought it was a really great experience and opportunity," Rova reflected. "I got to learn from the coaches as well, who are some of the best coaches in the US, and not everyone gets that opportunity."

The dual-pool training environment immediately distinguished the Mission Viejo experience from anything available in Fiji. "We got to swim both long course and train short course, so we had long course in the morning, short course in the afternoon, which is not something that we have access to back at home," Rova explained. This variety in training environments provided both coach and athlete with exposure to different tactical approaches and technical refinements that simply cannot be replicated with limited facilities.

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One of the most significant revelations for Rova came through observing how technical feedback delivered by different coaches carried enhanced impact. "The focus during that training period was really focusing on her dives and just the little things that help in a race," she noted. "These things that you tell them all the time back at home, but it makes a difference when it comes from somebody else, and they actually take heed. They actually mean something."

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This insight highlighted a crucial aspect of athlete development that extends beyond technical knowledge to encompass the psychology of coaching relationships. Witnessing her swimmer, Patricia Varebasaga respond to instruction from different coaches provided Rova with valuable perspective on varying her own coaching approaches.

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The training atmosphere proved equally educational, as Rova observed the professional standards and routines of elite athletes from multiple countries. "She trained in the mornings with a college group - kids that come back from university for the summer break - and then in the afternoon with their pro group," Rova described. "All the kids that either represent the US or Brazil or whatever country, that come and train under these coaches."

The exposure to this elite training culture proved transformative for both coach and athlete. "It's nice for her to have been in that atmosphere so she sees what other professional athletes do, not just leading up to games or World Championships, but in sessions, how they get in, their routine, their stretching, and it's not something that they have to be told," Rova observed. This professional approach to training preparation became a model that Patricia, as team captain, could demonstrate to other athletes back home.

Her recommendation for future participants reflects both the programme's value and the mindset required to maximize its benefits. "I would 100% recommend it. It's such a great opportunity with access to better facilities and coaches that have trained Olympians and Olympians themselves - they have that knowledge, expertise, and experience," Rova stated emphatically.

For Rova, the LAX Development Training Camp represents a masterclass in elite coaching that proves beneficial for all coaches in the region.

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