Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy

To win his final of four gold medals, champion swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg overcame the odds, which seemed to be stacked against him. During the two years before the 2004 Athens games, he had to undergo both a shoulder surgery and a knee surgery and recover in enough time to compete with the United States in Athens. Due to his determination, he was able to recover, and along with his three relay teammates, he stood atop the podium once more.

Now retired, Krayzelburg created his eponymous swim academy to help kids beat the odds in what might otherwise be dangerous situations by becoming water-safe. Since the company's founding in 2005, Krayzelburg's crew has taught thousands of children how to be safe, proficient swimmers. During group classes, private lessons, and parent-tot sessions, the team uses a seven-level SwimRight method to build proper form. The approach is based on 40 years of swim-instruction techniques, and it graduates students from basic water-safety skills to more advanced strokes.

In addition to the two locations in California, the academy offers lessons at eight partner sites across the country. The Los Angeles academy is located on the premises of the Westside Jewish Community Center within a remodeled aquatic center with two swimming pools, a 90-degree kids' pool, and a lap pool that is kept at a cozy 85 degrees.