Is Swimming Eating Its Young?

Glenn, I want you to know you are not alone in this thinking. I think this is why the author of this post started this thread: concern for our children and the possibility that some swim clubs (and parents who want them to excel) may take it too far too soon. It seems many people are hunting for ways for their children to excel and I am not sure exactly why that is. Status? or maybe the pressure of the year 2006 to keep up. I came from the era of climbing trees, hopscotch, seeing how many times I could ride my bicycle around the block with no hands; those things were so much fun. We read books and watched cartoons; no computers whatsoever. A color TV was a luxury. We used to listen to Brer Rabbit, Lady and the Tramp on 76 records. We invented things for fun which led to greater socialization with our friends; we had no aids. Yes, I am dating myself here; I am an old codger, but quite frankly I have tremendous values about things that are important in life. Simplicity is one of them. I entered swimming by total accident. I had polio and I was put in water therapy. I fell in love with water, it became my new best friend. So as I started out as below average, the more I was in it, the happier I was. Thus, eventually, the YMCA and its statewide meets. I was happy with 5th or 6th. And back then, a 5th or 6th was as good as 1st in family eyes and friends' and coaches' eyes. And when I decided to continue competing, I didn't shatter any records. I was just having fun. But I always wanted to do better, something that is still with me. As a child, I found what I wanted to do: swim. And then when I found backstroke, my world changed. I found the natural stroke for me. But as I competed and moved up in ranks, my YMCA coach never forced us to do things we couldn't do. I think most of our workouts were about 1800 yards, maybe, but they sure were quality. I made the conscious choice to try to go big league because I found something I loved more than anything else in the world. But now we are in the early 60s, and coaches were different then. Even now, with coaches trying their best to ensure proper technique to thwart off shoulder injuries, can take a toll on children. The in-depth conversations about this and the drills associated to make it happen, certainly puts a lot of pressure, or maybe even confusion, into children; " hey, where's the fun?" I am sorry this is long, I guess I went down memory lane, but it is a good memory lane. I am with you on a lot of points you made. The difference for me back then and some of the kids nowadays is this (to me): I chose it for personal enjoyment first, competiton was second, and some, only some I am saying here, swim to be the best they can be; that being first is primary so they are driven way too early. Excellence is good in prospective. Maybe because of how small I started out in the swimming world, and had coaches and family encouraging me but not making it so important it over-encompassed my life, is why I am still swimming today; more than 50 years later. I still swim for enjoyment even though I am competitve, which is a personal drive only. I'll swim until I stop breathing. A lifelong love for something like this makes me feel like I won the lottery. My thoughts and experiences; no facts here. Donna

Glenn, I want you to know you are not alone in this thinking. I think this is why the author of this post started this thread: concern for our children and the possibility that some swim clubs (and parents who want them to excel) may take it too far too soon. It seems many people are hunting for ways for their children to excel and I am not sure exactly why that is. Status? or maybe the pressure of the year 2006 to keep up. I came from the era of climbing trees, hopscotch, seeing how many times I could ride my bicycle around the block with no hands; those things were so much fun. We read books and watched cartoons; no computers whatsoever. A color TV was a luxury. We used to listen to Brer Rabbit, Lady and the Tramp on 76 records. We invented things for fun which led to greater socialization with our friends; we had no aids. Yes, I am dating myself here; I am an old codger, but quite frankly I have tremendous values about things that are important in life. Simplicity is one of them. I entered swimming by total accident. I had polio and I was put in water therapy. I fell in love with water, it became my new best friend. So as I started out as below average, the more I was in it, the happier I was. Thus, eventually, the YMCA and its statewide meets. I was happy with 5th or 6th. And back then, a 5th or 6th was as good as 1st in family eyes and friends' and coaches' eyes. And when I decided to continue competing, I didn't shatter any records. I was just having fun. But I always wanted to do better, something that is still with me. As a child, I found what I wanted to do: swim. And then when I found backstroke, my world changed. I found the natural stroke for me. But as I competed and moved up in ranks, my YMCA coach never forced us to do things we couldn't do. I think most of our workouts were about 1800 yards, maybe, but they sure were quality. I made the conscious choice to try to go big league because I found something I loved more than anything else in the world. But now we are in the early 60s, and coaches were different then. Even now, with coaches trying their best to ensure proper technique to thwart off shoulder injuries, can take a toll on children. The in-depth conversations about this and the drills associated to make it happen, certainly puts a lot of pressure, or maybe even confusion, into children; " hey, where's the fun?" I am sorry this is long, I guess I went down memory lane, but it is a good memory lane. I am with you on a lot of points you made. The difference for me back then and some of the kids nowadays is this (to me): I chose it for personal enjoyment first, competiton was second, and some, only some I am saying here, swim to be the best they can be; that being first is primary so they are driven way too early. Excellence is good in prospective. Maybe because of how small I started out in the swimming world, and had coaches and family encouraging me but not making it so important it over-encompassed my life, is why I am still swimming today; more than 50 years later. I still swim for enjoyment even though I am competitve, which is a personal drive only. I'll swim until I stop breathing. A lifelong love for something like this makes me feel like I won the lottery. My thoughts and experiences; no facts here. Donna