HELP! Need Training

Dedication to studies/good grades, a responsible attitude in your social life (observing curfews, no drugs/alcohol, making good choices in friends etc) helping out around the house with things other than your regular chores, without being asked, all contribute to parents realizing that their child is maturing. If you are already doing these things then step it up one notch. After a couple of months (it takes us old folks awhile to believe something is real) broach the subject of re-joining a USA club with your mom again, and then you must demonstrate your commitment.

Oh yeah, one more important thing. Be prepared if she says no, to accept her decision, and under no circumstances get angry or yell. That kind of negative behavior will set you back. Drop the subject completely for the time being, but continue to show her how much you are maturing and ask again in another couple of months.

Everyone is very excited about the Olympics in a few days. The athletes who go represent me, a regular person, who would LOVE to be there –swimming, watching, part of the team. The truth is, less than 1% of the top U.S. National level swimmers get to go to the Olympics. Less than 1% of the Olympic team qualifiers actually medal in the events. That takes a lot of work, not only from the swimmer, but from parents too. If swimming is as important as you have relayed in your post, have a sit down discussion with your Mom –and Dad if he is around too. Don’t whine or beg, but really express how you feel. PROBLEM SOLVE with your parents a way to get back into the sport (an example might be a negotiation, like you paying some of the dues for the team fees via babysitting, allowance, paper route etc.) Demonstrate your dedication to your parents. Those of us who are old timers in the sport realize that swimming has taught us a lot about life, it is not necessarly about getting faster becasue all swimmers have been there, swimming is about haveing a good time, exercising our body, and so much more! Good luck! Ali

Kristen, I believe one of the traits that comes across with many of this year's U.S. Olympic swimmers in their background is a dedication to success overall in what they do, not just swimming. As an earlier post stated, if you show dedication in your school work and contribution to your family needs, that comes through heavily as a responsible kid. Often I think parents, other than for financial reasons, act similar to your mother's point of view because they know the chances are slim of such a goal and they don't want you to put all your hopes into it. However, a mature athlete knows and accepts the time committment, dedication and effort is more about getting something out of the journey than an ultimate moment in time. I enjoy most when I read articles with quotes from the U.S. swimmers who speak about their "love of swimming" and "love just getting in the pool and pushing themselves". All swimmers would like a medal from the Olympics, but most are also mature enough to realize just making Nationals, just qualifying to swim at the U.S. trials, just making the trip to Athens are all great achievements alone. Financially I understand is a limitation for many swimmers. If you show your family your level of dedication, such as focusing on dry land training, nutrition, etc. (i.e., the whole regimine of an athlete), that too can come across that you are committed. Also, remember that in a few years you may be off to college. Seek out a college with a good supported swim program. Although many colleges have slim or no swim programs, some of them have school competitive teams, as well as other swim programs, that can help get you to your goals. Start researching now the programs and start speaking to swim coaches at colleges early about your interests. A college with a good program is often how many of today's Olympians got their push towards making the team. Good luck! Keep us posted.... Dan

Krissi, Why did your mother make the decision to move you? Was there disagreement about your training regimen? your lack of specific qualifying times? no competition? I ask because I just had a swimmer yanked from my program (by his mother), much to his dismay. She felt that he would not get enough competition in practice to improve his meet performances and she is counting on swimming putting this kid through college. Now, we are a small team, lacking in fast 13 year old boys -- however we have a number of swimmers (younger and older, male and female) who swim faster than him both in practice and meets. Still, he wasn't improving fast enough for mom (went from B times to AA times from December til April.). Unfortunately, he wasn't, isn't swimming for himself. I asked all my senior swimmers to write a note answering the question, "why do I swim? why do I come to swim practice?" Answers to both questions from this swimmer were, "because my mom makes me, because my mom brings me..." So, unless he starts swimming for himself (whatever program he is in), and training with a goal in mind (his goal), he will never realize his potential. I should note--he is getting faster (he would have anyway), but his summer season was cancelled and friends were lost, and he is still out of sorts with his mother -- was it worth it? Won't know for a few more years, I hope it was. Thankfully YOU seem to WANT to swim now -- Show your mom your post, ask to get back into a program (bigger/more expensive is NOT necessarily better), and work your butt off! Show your mom that you are mature enough now to understand the difference between training and social practicing... I wish you the best of luck, and remember, Jenny Thompson is over 30 and in the Olympics -- you still have time:)