Does anyone know a woman who was able to swim at their top form after she had a child? In running, Marion Jones was able to come back in international form after giving birth. I was just wondering if swimmers are able to do this yet. This woman doesn't have to be an Internationally ranked swimmer as well.
I was thinking about this after a girl I knew was going to go under 5 minutes in the 500 free but she got pregnant in high school and she never got back to her top form. Where else could I ask this question than the USMS discussion board.
I think the key is whether the woman continued to swim at the same level during and immediately after her pregnancy - so many of us have to put other life obligations first and then lose the conditioning and muscle we worked so hard for. Sandy Nielson Bell is another female athlete who comes to my mind as someone who had a family and continued to swim at the same speed and level she did in international competition, so she didn't lost her speed. But she never stopped training. I am interested to see now that there is more opportunity to train for adult athletes, especially women, just how good we can be - I personally think we haven't begun to scratch the surface of potential - just look at the times in the 40-50 year old age groups for women - smokin!
I think the key is whether the woman continued to swim at the same level during and immediately after her pregnancy - so many of us have to put other life obligations first and then lose the conditioning and muscle we worked so hard for. Sandy Nielson Bell is another female athlete who comes to my mind as someone who had a family and continued to swim at the same speed and level she did in international competition, so she didn't lost her speed. But she never stopped training. I am interested to see now that there is more opportunity to train for adult athletes, especially women, just how good we can be - I personally think we haven't begun to scratch the surface of potential - just look at the times in the 40-50 year old age groups for women - smokin!
