Kevin and Patti Thompson opened Austin Aquatics and Sports Academy in January with the goal of bringing Olympic coaches and rigorous training to athletes of all skill levels, Patti said. "It's about changing the way [people] train, changing their boundaries and getting them outside of their comfort zone," said former Olympian Brendan Hansen, general manager of aquatics operations and head swim coach. "When they leave this facility they want to tackle life." The academy offers group and private swimming instruction for adults and runs Austin Swim Club, a competitive age group swim club for children ages 7 through high school seniors. The academy includes a strength and conditioning room in which it hosts group and private classes, said Chris Lewallen, director of strength and conditioning. Triathlete and multisport programs begin in March. The facility does not teach beginner swim lessons because of the 7.5-foot-depth of its pool and does not have open gym membership or open pool options, Marketing Manager Carrie Barrett said. The facility has no long-term contracts or initiation fees; members sign up monthly.