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 did not learn to swim until my youngest was 7, so did not have the experience of swimming while pregnant. Did weight lifting and cardio machine though, and you do have to watch your balance on everything late term. It would seem swimming would be gentler, although the shift in weight would throw off some of the strokes.
As far as whether someone can compete at a high level after having children. I suppose you can, but the issue is not just what the pregnancy does to your body(you can get that back with time), but what having a family does with your time. Priorities shift and the "me" stuff just is not as important.
I think that is why the 40-50 age range is so fast. The children are starting to grow up and be on their own, so the women come back, because they have more time.
I did not learn to swim until my youngest was 7, so did not have the experience of swimming while pregnant. Did weight lifting and cardio machine though, and you do have to watch your balance on everything late term. It would seem swimming would be gentler, although the shift in weight would throw off some of the strokes.
As far as whether someone can compete at a high level after having children. I suppose you can, but the issue is not just what the pregnancy does to your body(you can get that back with time), but what having a family does with your time. Priorities shift and the "me" stuff just is not as important.
I think that is why the 40-50 age range is so fast. The children are starting to grow up and be on their own, so the women come back, because they have more time.
