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Name: Isaac Gómez
Job Title: Swim Instructor / Head Lifeguard
Asphalt Green Department: Aquatics
Asphalt Green Campus: Upper East Side
Q: How long have you been working at Asphalt Green?
A: I’ve been working at Asphalt Green for almost a year and a half.
Q: What do you do at Asphalt Green?
A: As a swim instructor, I teach youth swim classes, private lessons, and Waterproofing, Asphalt Green’s free learn-to-swim program. I love motivating my students and empowering them to achieve their goals. As a head lifeguard, I ensure that everything on the pool deck (and in the pool) is safe and secure and provide the best environment for our members and program users. My favorite part of the job is being a role model for my crew and leading by example.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of working at Asphalt Green?
A: I am originally from Ecuador, and I used to be a swim and water polo coach. Asphalt Green has really given me the opportunity to expand my career in an environment I love. I hope I can continue to grow within the organization.
Q: What is one of your fondest memories of working at Asphalt Green so far?
A: One of the Asphalt Green water polo players broke my noise during practice! Now we’re friends.
Q: How did you get into the aquatics industry?
A: I was on Ecuador’s National Swim Team when I was 16. Around that time, I started playing water polo and eventually became a founding member of the first national water polo team in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: Anne Frank inspires me.
Q: Do you play any other sports?
A: I play water polo, soccer, and chess,
Q: What is your favorite sport to watch?
A: I enjoy watching soccer.
Q: Who is your favorite sports team? Why?
A: My favorite sports team is FCB (Football Club Barcelona). They have a unique philosophy, “tiki-taka,” meaning quick, short passes and movement, and it’s really inspiring.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete? Why?
A: Tony Azevedo is the captain of the USA Water Polo team and has a backstory that could inspire anyone. As a child, he suffered a severed trachea and esophagus, and his heart stopped beating for four minutes! He essentially overcame death and has risen to become one of the top players in the world.
Q: What is the best swim tip you’ve received or favorite tip to share with players?
A: My old coach used to say the soreness you feel after a workout will go away with more working out. Never stop.