Don Watkinds

When Brian Jacobson wins, it is as much a personal victory as a triumph for the unusual training system that he adheres to under Bellflower Aquatics Coach Don Watkinds. Jacobson, who will compete Saturday through Monday in the U.S. Olympic Festival at USC, swims less than half the distance most of his competitors swim each day in practice. Moreover, Jacobson's workouts are heavy on vertical kicking and using only their arms to stay in one spot. Most swimmers kick horizontally.

When Brian Jacobson wins, it is as much a personal victory as a triumph for the unusual training system that he adheres to under Bellflower Aquatics Coach Don Watkinds. Jacobson, who will compete Saturday through Monday in the U.S. Olympic Festival at USC, swims less than half the distance most of his competitors swim each day in practice. Moreover, Jacobson's workouts are heavy on vertical kicking and using only their arms to stay in one spot. Most swimmers kick horizontally.

Helen Salcedo is one of several outstanding swimmers at the Bellflower Aquatics Club, whose pool is in Thompson Park at 14001 S. Bellflower Blvd. The purpose of the club, Coach Don Watkinds said, is to give members the "opportunity to go as far as they want to in swimming." There are 60 youngsters in the club who train under Watkinds, who has been coaching for 24 years, and Lionel Hughes, who formerly coached the Lynwood Aqua Knights.

In an atmosphere of chlorine and liniment so familiar to her, Helen Salcedo, afreshman at Bell High School and a top national swimmer, waited to compete in the CIF City Section meet at Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool in Long Beach. Out of the turquoise water, Salcedo blended in with the other swimmers, who, wrapped in sweat suits or towels, socialized on the bleachers or by the snack stand.