Need help with this predicament.
Am currently 15 (About to be 16). Have been swimming competively since about 6. The problem is, after moving from my U.S.S. team (my mother's decision) my swimming has not improved. (Well it has, but not very much). I long to be the great swimmer I should be at this age. The Olympics are coming, and it makes me sad knowing that had I done my best and worked hard, it could be me there, (or in several years). I'm trying to get back into swimming and hopefully join a USMS team after I am too old for the Village teams.
Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions or tips? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Also please note my mom is wary to spend too much money because she feels I am not committed enough. (Truthfully I am responsible for that thinking).
Parents
Former Member
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
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
