Heres the scoop. I've been swimming for about 3 years now. My best times (scy) are as follows:
500 free 5:13.something
200 free 157.something else
100 free 52.8
50 free 24.38
100 fly 59.7
I swim between 20,000 and 30,000 yards/week now. I'm 20 years old, (male). My question is, do you think that with the right training and work ethic I could make a cut for the Olympic Trials in 2012? I would expect to train between 2 and 3 hours/day. I know it may sound a little crazy given my times now but I believe that with 6 years to do it, I can. My goal would be to qualify for the 100,200, or 500 free.
It is possible but it takes great coaching and a lot of personal desire and talent.
By way of example, 5 year ago my son (age 15) after swimming for 2 years was swimming the 500 in 5:20, the 200 in 1:58 and the 100 in 56. Today (age 20) he is 4:29, 1:37 and 45 (hoping to be 4:25, 1:35 and 44 next month with a shave and taper). He is close to trial cuts in the each of these and plans to get the cuts this summer. So 6 years to go from 5:20 or 5:13 to a trial cut is not impossible.
Work with your coach, share your goals, and as Tracy said enjoy the journey.
It is possible but it takes great coaching and a lot of personal desire and talent.
By way of example, 5 year ago my son (age 15) after swimming for 2 years was swimming the 500 in 5:20, the 200 in 1:58 and the 100 in 56. Today (age 20) he is 4:29, 1:37 and 45 (hoping to be 4:25, 1:35 and 44 next month with a shave and taper). He is close to trial cuts in the each of these and plans to get the cuts this summer. So 6 years to go from 5:20 or 5:13 to a trial cut is not impossible.
Work with your coach, share your goals, and as Tracy said enjoy the journey.
