TALKIN' THE TALK, WALKIN' THE WALK.

The article focuses on the efforts of the USA Swimming to increase participation of African-Americans and other ethnic minorities in swimming competitions. More than a decade ago, it established an outreach committee and program to spearhead the effort. It brought some of the sports best-known and most articulate African American swimmers to inner-city clubs to sign autographs, conduct clinics and serve as role models for youngsters who aspired to aquatic greatness. The percentage of African-Americans registered with the organization has remained at just under one percent since the 1990s.