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
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
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
