Coral Springs Aquatic Complex. {City of Coral Springs
By Kevin Deutsch
A former Coral Springs Swim Club member on Wednesday joined several other residents in alleging bullying and a toxic culture in the organization, blaming head coach Bruno Darzi for the problems.
Speaking during the public comment portion of a Coral Springs City Commission meeting, former swim club member Ethan Persten, 15, said the dysfunction has led to an exodus of talented swimmers. The issues have persisted for years and included bullying by coaching staff members as well as some swimmers, according to the teen.
Persten and other speakers blamed Darzi, his coaching staff, and some members of the club’s board of directors for the alleged harm suffered by swimmers.
“Coral Springs Swim Club is a club that once thrived with talented swimmers, but now stands without these competitive and promising athletes who sought refuge elsewhere…. swimmers had left this team…mostly due to the constant bullying and toxicity enabled by their head coach and owner, Mr. Bruno Darzi,” Persten said.
“As a matter of fact, I was the victim of several bullying situations. The worst one was being kicked aggressively on my back during a practice. My mother filed a formal complaint to Mr. Darzi, who took no interest in the matter and did not follow the safety sports code of USA Swimming and the swimmer’s Code of Conduct with the swimmers involved. These swimmers continued to bully me emotionally and mentally over the course of years with no consequences to them at all.”
“Mr. Darzi is aware of all of this harassment and does nothing to stop any of it…Mr. Darzi has shown several times that he does not care for his swimmers at all,” said Persten, who urged a change to the club’s leadership.
Darzi did not immediately respond to an email from Coral Springs Talk seeking comment.
After Persten’s remarks, Mayor Scott Brook told the teen, “My heart is with you.”
“I’m understanding there will be action that will be taken in the future,” Brook said.
City Manager Frank Babinec said the city had “been made aware recently of some issues that were brought to our attention related to our contract with the swim coach.”
Coral Springs officials have conducted interviews in connection with the situation and are gathering information, Babinec said. He said a recommendation would be brought to the commission based on the city’s findings and that staff was moving quickly to address the issue.
“We do have an active contract with this coach, so that would come back to the commission for action,” Babinec said.
Commissioner Joshua Simmons thanked Persten for his “strength and courage” in speaking out.
“No one in any organization in Coral Springs should have to deal with anything where they don’t feel comfortable, or they don’t feel safe, or they are being bullied,” Simmons said. “That’s not the brand we represent as a city, and I’m sorry that you had to deal with that.”
Martha Persten, Ethan’s mother, told the commission she had informed city officials last month of the “magnitude of toxicity and bullying that has been going on in the Coral Springs [Swim] Club, enabled by the owner and head coach of that team, Mr. Bruno Darzi.”
She said she provided the city with complaints from five other parents of former club swimmers, and asked the city to install new leadership at the club.
“We’re done with the abuse, the retaliation, and the bullying from Mr. Bruno Darzi and his staff toward our children and some parents like myself,” Martha Persten said.
Solanger Villanueva told the commission her daughter swam for the club for two years and was bullied by a member of Darzi’s coaching staff, with Darzi’s knowledge.
“It’s not only one swimmer, it’s a lot of swimmers,” she said.
Glen Hanks, whose children went through the swim club program, told the commission that “these problems are not new.”
The dysfunction, several speakers said, began after Darzi replaced former Coral Springs Swim Head Coach Michael Lohberg, who died in 2011.
During a legendary career, Lohberg was six-time Olympian Dara Torres’ coach and confidant. His swimmers won three silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he coached at six Olympics and qualified swimmers for every game from 1984 to 2008, Coral Springs Talk reported in 2013.
“The quality of the program has gone downhill” since Darzi took over, Hanks said.
According to the swim club’s web page, Darzi was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has coached for more than 24 years.
“The Olympic-caliber coach has coached several Olympic swimmers including five-time Olympian Dara Torres and three-time Olympians Vlad Polyakov and Arlene Semeco and senior, junior and collegiate swimmers,” states Darzi’s biography on the page. “Darzi has coached on the international scene, including the Summer Olympics, Pan American Championships, and South American Championships.”
The biography also says Darzi is a “former national-caliber swimmer for Brazil and CSSC…since taking over the head age group position at CSSC in 2004, has had several swimmers produce numerous National Top 10 times, broken Florida Gold Coast and club records…has been chosen as a member of the FGC All-Star coaching staff in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and also a five-time member of the Southern Zone Team Championships FGC coaching staff…in his first year of coaching was awarded the “Spirit Award.”…ASCA Level 5-certified, highest level attainable. He earned the ASCA Age Group of the Year award in 2006 and 2009.”
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Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning crime journalist and author. A graduate of Florida International University, Kevin has worked on staff at The Miami Herald, New York Daily News, and The Palm Beach Post.
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36 comments
I am surprised that the author of this article would choose to write something of such low caliber. The piece appears to be libelous, and it is concerning that the author may not have allowed Bruno sufficient time to respond, as indicated by the statement, “Darzi did not IMMEDIATELY respond to an email from Coral Springs Talk seeking comment.” The issues with the swim club originated with the actions of Laura and Rafael, two former coaches who are now with TS Aquatics and were dismissed for stealing money. It is disheartening that there are parents who support thieves; although they probably deserve one another. Furthermore, Ethan Persten’s father, Brian Persten, is a registered sex offender, raising valid concerns about his presence around children in bathing suits (Google his name, you will find the article).
The challenges with the swimming pool, closed for renovations since July, have resulted in practice location changes to a smaller pool with early morning times, such as 5 am swim practices. Understandably, this schedule does not suit everyone, leading some families to temporarily leave with the intention of returning once the pool renovations are completed next year. It is crucial to note that the current article seems significantly one-sided. It is disappointing that the author chose to publish it without presenting both sides of the story.
There are several things concerning on your post.
1. you are accusing people of stealing money. this is serious. I hope you have proof or you can get sued.
2. Based on the article, the issues are happening since 2013, not new and not related to the renovation
1. Would you consider Zelle payments made directly the 2 prior coaches labeled “coaching fees” and “private lessons” enough proof of stealing?
So, IF Bruno Darzi also get Zelle from parents for Club membership is also stealing?
So, let me get this straight. Because of his father, you believe this child should be bullied? What about the other kids who have been bullied? Let’s see if you can find a reason on those kids to justify this. These problems have been going on long before any pool renovations. Sad that you condone bullying because of his father.
Hello Cleo, if this is your real name. I am Ethan’s mom. I can feel your passion in your comment defending Mr. Bruno Darzi. I want to make clear that my husband being a registered sex offender has nothing to do with Ethan’s plea. Yes, he is registered but he is NOT a sex offender. We have a court’s psychologist report to prove it plus he took 14 lie detectors that he passed. The reason we stopped fighting the charges is because we had to focus more on my oldest son’s cancer.
Mr. Bruno Darzi has known of my husband situation since the beginning when Ethan joined the club at 7 years old. He is now 15 so do the math. In my husband’s situation there was no minor involved. Regardless of this fact, bullying of my son and any other kid in this club is unacceptable and unjustifiable. The facts that we are all concerned about is Mr. Bruno Darzi allowing this to happen.
I would like to advise you that accusing people of being thieves without proof is Defamation of Character. The people you had mentioned on your comment are seeking for a good lawyer as we speak. Investigators will track your IP Address even though we are pretty sure of who you are.
I did find out one of Mr. Darzi’s coaches has a criminal record and that same coach is sending texts messages to the parents, today, asking them to write on behalf of Mr. Darzi. As you can see, even his parents are against him but they are terrified to leave because of the retaliation like yours today. The same coach had instructed the swimmers not to speak to the children who left or they will be in trouble.
Do you think this is a good example of sportsmanship? Are you ok with a coach with a criminal record to coach your children?
If you would like to know more about my husband’s situation, you can reach out to him at anytime. I know you have his number and mine as well. We are an open book with no needs to hide from anyone. Those who knows us knows very well the type of family we are. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/65c7b0ccc24155093aa37d680b3a192ed7f39c010b85083901bdf40134b9cd7b.jpg
My kids have been on the Coral Springs Swim Club for over ten years, and I have absolutely no clue what these people are talking about. My kids love the coaches, especially Bruno, and the only bullying they have ever dealt with came from some of the same kids who now say they were bullied, and quit after they were disciplined. I do know that the kid featured in this article is a professional actor who has appeared in local TV commercials, though.
Are you accusing this kid to be acting?
No, I am stating a fact that he gets paid to act.
Im not understanding… I get paid to do a job that doesnt mean Im always doing that job…I can have genuine feelings outside of what I get paid to do right?
Well are you an actor that can easily switch in and out of “emotions”?
Why not state one of your kids is one of the bullies. Very sad, sadder your wife is an assistant principal, and that is what you are raising.
Hello Andrew, I am Ethan’s mom. I believe you are Mrs. Jodi Robin’s husband. She is the Vice Principal of CS Charter School, correct? I want to correct your math, if I may, because Ethan has been in the CSSC for 8 years and I believe your children joined the club when Ethan was 11. I don’t know how your children have been in the club for “over 10 years”.
Yes, Ethan is a paid actor but what you saw last night was not acting. Ethan had been suffering from bullying for a long time from some specific swimmers. As a matter of fact, the situation that Ethan mentioned last night involves one of your children. Out of the 3 swimmers involved, only one apologized to Ethan. We still have her text messages to prove it.
For you, an adult, to speak like this of a child is despicable and a form of bullying. I invite you to chat with me so you can hear of this situation because I think you are confused. I can send you ALL the emails that I have, including Mr. Bruno Darzi’s, regarding the incident. No swimmers were reprimanded like you mention in your comment.
Ethan’s tears are real for all the frustration and sadness caused by the existing toxicity in that club. By the way, I was the parent who cheered and consoled your daughter on one of her toughest race. She did great and Ethan and I were very proud of her.
Isn’t this your husband? https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/flyer.jsf?personId=68938
And this article about him? https://wsvn.com/news/south-florida-man-sentenced-8-years-after-online-sex-sting/
I already responded to “Cleo W.” Read it. Did you checked Brittany Bellomo too? She is in contact with children. She stalked my social media and minors social media as well. We have all the screen shots. Feel free to contact me for proof. And use your real name. I don’t have the need to hide behind fake profiles.
Isn’t this your husband?
https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/flyer.jsf?personId=68938
Is this his article? https://wsvn.com/news/south-florida-man-sentenced-8-years-after-online-sex-sting/
Are you involved with a swim coach?
None of this has anything to do with me. This is about Bruno and the bullies Bruno allows to run his team. I’m not a coach I’m just a parent trying to protect my kid from bullies like you. I have all the rights to be at these events. I don’t bother anyone and I don’t hide behind anything or anyone.
You don’t have all the facts but if that makes you feel like a big person to keep bullying families then it just shows you literally have no defense and this helps prove our accusations.
Anyone with any questions can come to me anytime and we can have a conversation .
Bruno has known my situation from years ago and has told others years ago as well and had no issue having his coach ask my family to host his international swimmer.
Attacking my son here on social media is the example of bullying he was talking about. My wife and I are a reflection of our kids, we raised 4 amazing kids that are succeeding. You are raising and and encouraging bullies. I taught my kids to stand up for themselves against people like you.
My family has been through a lot and if anyone has a problem with me, come to me.
Once again this isn’t about me, but it was a nice try, trying to deflect the problems Bruno has had with this club for years.
Now please ” take my families names out your !@#$%^&* mouth “
I have known Ethan since he was a baby. Although he gets paid to sometimes act, he was not acting. This was the reason he left and went to swim at Tamarac. There is proof, in text and in emails about all of the bullying as it happened, and proof nothing was done.
For all the people that are defending the undefendable, only because you and your kids have some privileges at the club.
Let me tell you what bully and harassment is: when “the coach” that works for him is bullying and harassing the kids that left the team, especially during a meet, all the respect that any Head Coach or any “Coach” can receive is out the window and do not complain with the USA Swimming Safe Sport program.
Here is one example: My daughter went to the BB champ and all her friends that talk to her daily. After she left like nothing happened, because they are kids and this is sport overall. One “Coach” told the CSSC kids that they are not allowed to talk or look at the faces of the kids that moved away from the team or they will see consequences. My daughter was sad and affected, not understanding the situation until one of the girls from CSSC was brave enough to talk to her and explain the situation.
This situation was at the first meet where we swam together. This coach still tells the kids the same thing every time we go to meets together.
If this is not harassment, what is harassment? This does not only affect the kids that left but also affects the kids that stay at CSSC.
Further investigation NEEDS to take place regarding swimmers and parents who left Coral Springs Swim Club and the true reasons behind their decision to leave. Some left after they took side of ex coaches Rafael and Laura after they left the club for accusations of taking money from the club… I do know for a fact (before Mr. Sim chimes in) that swimmers were paying Rafael “under the table” for services that should have gone through the club. Unethical to say the least. Others decided to leave the club because of schedule conflicts with the ongoing renovation of the aquatic complex. My kids have been swimming at the club for 4 years and have never seen bullying or harassment by the coaches. It is a shame that now the swimmers who left CSSC to go to TS are unhappy with their facility and now want to continue stirring the pot to get Bruno out of the picture and they can take over the facility at the Aquatic Complex.
Like I said, please investigate further. For the sake of all those involved, we need to set the record straight and those who are at fault, need to be held accountable.
How do you know people who left are unhappy? I left… Im thrilled
Good for you!!! I don’t recall Bodo ever mentioning a Ben Tanner being unhappy though!
@bodo @andrew @cleo
– Again what you are doing is bullying against the Perston family that are only putting their side of the story. Your post only show how the “specials” parents at CS only defend themselves with bully and harassing people to intimate them.
– Also if you are accusing somebody of stealing you need to write facts and have proof.
– Yes, we followed the coach that we believe is the best fit for our kids, but after what happened at the meets and the bully of “the coaches” we confirmed our right decision and we are so happy to find a family on TS Aquatic for all the support that they are showing us. CSSC coaches and board need to learn a lot from them.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/65c7b0ccc24155093aa37d680b3a192ed7f39c010b85083901bdf40134b9cd7b.jpg
We are ALL going on January and MORE people are going to talk.
Sounds like some swimmers have some bad attitudes….if you moved on c’est la vie….
Time to let it go and focus on your new swim team.
Focus your energy on something productive!
Bullying, retaliation, abuse, toxicity. All of these defaming buzz words repeated over and over again in this article, but in reality it is two people speaking for the masses and going to a news outlet to complain. Athletics are mentally and physically challenging. They are not for everyone. If the intensity of a program or coach are not a good fit, there’s a dozen others to choose from. Swimming is a sport. No one is forcing anyone to participate. Different coaches have different philosophies. People leaving a club is not means to investigate a decorated coach. The fact that this is even a conversation is unbelievable. Every time a college athlete transfers schools do we need to investigate the coaching staff? Everyone has their own reasons for changing teams at any level. I don’t condone bullying, but this article doesn’t even explain any bullying or abuse that took place. It is the vaguest witch hunt I have ever read. Coaching at this level of competition is intense. If you can’t handle it go to another club, don’t cry to the local news.
Actually there are over 100 swimmers that left all for the same root causes. Unfortunately, the article only mentions my wife and son. There were others who spoke at this meeting as well. So of course, his bullying was deflected with attacks against my past. Coach Bruno is well aware of what over 100 swimmers have against him and his coaches and also their retaliations against kids for leaving.
Among these 100 swimmers are almost the entire Masters team. These are adults who also made their decisions to leave stemming from the same root cause of toxicity.
I can take these unrelated attacks but everyone needs to stop bothering and bullying the kids including my son, who took the courage to stand up to this and hopefully in the near future everyone else can voice their situations as well without the added bullying and attacks.
And I’m not hiding behind these cute nicknames. Come see me if you want to have a conversation about truths.
The article only mentions 2 ppl, my son and I. Unfortunately it doesn’t mention the rest of the CS citizens who spoke about the bullying and toxicity in the CSSC. I assure you it was more than 2 ppl and now after all these comments, there will be more ppl going to the City Hall. In a way, all these ppl attacking the ones who left did us a big favor. All these comments are proof of the bullying we have suffered for years.
I truly hope that uninvolved parties can take a step back and notice the behavior that is being shown after holding these people accountable for their horrid actions. Rather than focus on helping the children who are affected, they’d rather turn the conversation into something unproductive and useless towards helping solve the issue at hand. If—behind the fake names and profiles—you try to preach that you are on some moral high ground, maybe realize that there’s a flaw in your morality if you can justify children being bullied and harassed by the coaches they thought they could trust. I am glad to read my hometown article to find my family is still as strong as ever, and I am so proud of my little brother for being as brave as he is… much braver than these adults cowering behind screens and keyboard. Fight the real fight, Ethan! ❤️