How old should a child be when they start to compete?
Former Member
My granddaughter, who is 4 and a very good swimmer for her age, was just asked to an invitational meet in March. I don't have all the details on the meet, what events she might be swimming, the ages of the other children she might compete against, etc. My daughter will talk to the coach soon. But, I would like to hear from some of you. Any thoughts on participation/competing at this young age? Anyone out there who started this young?
Lainey
Parents
Former Member
I thought all of you who posted might like to know what my daughter finally decided about the meet. First she wants to tell you all thank you for your input that it was very helpful and gave her something to think about.
After talking to the coach abour the meet, she discovered that there would be a special "six and under" category for Delaney to swim in. BUT, that most of the 6 year-olds would be swimming in the "eight and under group." The coach also told her that he knew of only one other team going to the meet that had a swimmer as young as Delaney and that there was a good chance there wouldn't be any other girls there for Delaney to swim against. The meet is about three or three and a half hours away from where my daughter's family lives. So, the decision was made not to go to the meet.
The coach said that he was also inviting Delaney to the meet so she could watch some of the heats and get a feel for what went on. There are three more meets in the town or close to where my daughter lives this spring, so she will have the opportunity to go see a meet soon.
Thanks again everyone. Lainey
I thought all of you who posted might like to know what my daughter finally decided about the meet. First she wants to tell you all thank you for your input that it was very helpful and gave her something to think about.
After talking to the coach abour the meet, she discovered that there would be a special "six and under" category for Delaney to swim in. BUT, that most of the 6 year-olds would be swimming in the "eight and under group." The coach also told her that he knew of only one other team going to the meet that had a swimmer as young as Delaney and that there was a good chance there wouldn't be any other girls there for Delaney to swim against. The meet is about three or three and a half hours away from where my daughter's family lives. So, the decision was made not to go to the meet.
The coach said that he was also inviting Delaney to the meet so she could watch some of the heats and get a feel for what went on. There are three more meets in the town or close to where my daughter lives this spring, so she will have the opportunity to go see a meet soon.
Thanks again everyone. Lainey
