My kid is a terrific swimmer - to a degree. He has Jr.Nat's cuts & has even placed quite high at things like JO's & Sr.Champs. However, he does best when he comes in 9th. He can swim super fast in Prelims, but if he comes into finals higher than 9th, he seldom (if ever) improves upon his morning time. If he is 9th or worse, he will always improve & so may have two best times in one day. I have to say, I think he likes being the big fish in the small pond - if he seriously outclasses everyone, he often will do a best time then, as well. I think he has a psychological block or something about performing well in finals & other high pressure situations, but I don't know how to help him get past it. Also, I don't want to screw him up by saying something stupid! He has one more big meet this year, and then he is going into semi-retirement for 2 years, so I'd love to see him perform at his best. Can anyone help me/him?
Maybe he's lying to you! You should have a professional psychologist investigate this possibility.
I don't think it's a question of lying to me, so much as when a young man goes off on his mission, when he returns after a 2 year hiatus, his priorities most likely will have changed; he may well be hungry to get back into the pool, but he also may be more inclined to focus on his career path & finding a soul mate. In any case it's his choice & I'm with him 100% whatever he decides to do. Like most of us, he has a wonderful base in a great sport, that he can return to at any point in his adult life & most likely will at some point. There is more to life than swimming, and there is a time for everything, you know.
Maybe he's lying to you! You should have a professional psychologist investigate this possibility.
I don't think it's a question of lying to me, so much as when a young man goes off on his mission, when he returns after a 2 year hiatus, his priorities most likely will have changed; he may well be hungry to get back into the pool, but he also may be more inclined to focus on his career path & finding a soul mate. In any case it's his choice & I'm with him 100% whatever he decides to do. Like most of us, he has a wonderful base in a great sport, that he can return to at any point in his adult life & most likely will at some point. There is more to life than swimming, and there is a time for everything, you know.
