Ladies ... does size matter?

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

Former Member — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:04:17 GMT

My daughter is 5'6" at 10 years old and has a natural talent when it comes to swimming. It irritates us though when people comment she wins because she is tall for her age. First and foremost, she really has beautiful strokes and glides through the water.

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

Former Member — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 07:31:49 GMT

how about Rendy Lyn Opdyke she must be a tad over 5' and beat the men and relays in the race around manhatten this year (and dominates a lot of marathon swims). Maybe short = faster?

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

Former Member — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:32:29 GMT

She's convinced she's too short to be competitive ... thus my question!! Is that a problem? Janet Evans is the perfect example...defying all logic which states that short will not equal fast. She dominated in the "long axis" stroke (distance free) for many years and her time standards set back in the 80's were only recently lowered.

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

Former Member — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:13:21 GMT

Lainey There are no problems; she's not "anti-racing" ... she just thought her size would prevent her from even considering the possibility. Everyone ... thanks. She had a look at this thread and said "hmmm" ... when she improves the basics it might be something "fun" to do. Cheers!! Ken

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

Former Member — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:43:45 GMT

If she doesn't want to compete... geeze, NO means NO. It doesn't matter whether or not she is a competitive person by nature, she has said she doesn't want to compete. Don't try to change her mind. First, and most importantly, because she states she doesn't want to compete. But, if she competes because you talk her into it and she doesn't win, or finds it an unpleasant experience FOR HER, then guess who she is going to be angry with? Leave her alone, as she gets better she might change her mind on her own. Lainey

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

swimmieAvsFan — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:18:48 GMT

ken, maybe you should invite her along to your next meet- not to compete, but to just watch (and maybe cheer for you too :) ) she's bound to see tall, short, skinny, not-so-skinny, old, young, lifetime swimmers, "late bloomers" all at the meet. maybe that would be enough to encourage her to at least try a meet, and that her height and age don't matter. and if that's not enough, maybe when she sees the social side of meets, she'll think competing is too much fun to avoid! plus, it's always nice to have a cheering section too :applaud:

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

dorothyrde — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 11:29:11 GMT

Tell her to world record holder Nadine. She is short.

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

Donna — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 07:12:36 GMT

Ken, Tell her it really does not matter how she stacks up against other people at this point. It all about bettering your own times and doing your best (unless of course your really really fast), but for the average Joe trying to get back into swimming (or just starting out) its all about doing your best. Some of us carry alot more weight (some 25 lbs) than when we used to swim some 20 years ago. In my case I don't compare myself to my kid times or I would get depressed, but as long as I get atleast 1 best time per meet I feel satisfied. And lately I have been blessed with many best times per meet. :wiggle: How can you see if you are improving if you don't know where you are starting from, that is why I typically encourage newbies to get an idea of where they are by doing a timed swim, then they can test themselves to see if they have improved. Donna :agree:

RE: Ladies ... does size matter?

Former Member — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 06:48:54 GMT

Janet Evans is shorter than most swimmers - it never bothered her.