Well I know this might not be even the right site to post this, but I need some opinions. I am 16, soon to be 17 in Sept. I have never swam competetively in my life (unless you consider racing in my backyard with my mom). Last February, I dated a member of our school's swim team. I don't know how to put this. Basically, his presence made me motivated to do swimming. He basically made me remember when in 3rd grade I wanted to join the neighborhood team, but couldn't. And how I was going to join in 9th grade, but my mother discouraged me. Let me make this clear, I DONT WANT TO DO IT BECAUSE OF HIM. But now to my problem...I want to swim, but I can't until college. I mean, I don't want to join the team if he's there. Too many people would think I joined it to be near him. He swims at school, and at our local club, so both are out right now. Ok, so when I get to college, I'll be 17 for a month, and turn 18 freshman year. However, I noticed that Masters is for 19 and over. So my question finally, what should I do? Should I join an 18-under club freshman year of college or just wait ANOTHER year for Masters? Or something I haven't thought of?
I forgot to mention, I have no idea if I'm doing my strokes right. I've taught myself them this summer. I have no times at all. Endurance is bad right now. I think the pool I was in today (not our usual backyard one) was 25 y. and I was out of breath after 4 laps. :(
Parents
Former Member
Depending on your location, you may want to try an open water swim race. They usually allow teenagers to compete. Of course, you will need to get to the point where you can go more than 4 laps, but in time it will come if you work at it. Also, some of them have things like 1/4 mile novice swims and the like.
I agree that you really shouldn't care what other people think vis-a-vis particpating on your swim team. If anyone says anything about you and the boy(friend), just give them a big smile, your sauciest wink and say nothing. It will drive them crazy.
Depending on your location, you may want to try an open water swim race. They usually allow teenagers to compete. Of course, you will need to get to the point where you can go more than 4 laps, but in time it will come if you work at it. Also, some of them have things like 1/4 mile novice swims and the like.
I agree that you really shouldn't care what other people think vis-a-vis particpating on your swim team. If anyone says anything about you and the boy(friend), just give them a big smile, your sauciest wink and say nothing. It will drive them crazy.
