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.
Thanks for all the advice. I believe I'm going to do something along the lines of what scyfreestyler suggested. Just see how much I could improve in 6 months or a year and then reconsider the goal. I plan to go as far as I can without a coach. I have been able to coach myself to the times posted and I am still improving. When the time comes that I have hit a plateau (sp?) I will then find a coach.
I'll be totally blunt with you, you need a coach now. If you go as long as you can without a coach (and given your goal) you are wasting your own time. I note you are in Wilmington. If you are a student at UNCW, go walk on the swim team or practice with them off season.
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.
I'm talking out my a#$ right now but these are my thoughts. Please, anyone feel free to contradict me.
I would say absolutely persue it, because I don't know you and maybe you dont know you either. You may be great.
Obviously you will need a coach. A real good one. The sooner the better. Your progression will be closely monitored and recorded. You must get the right workouts, technical feedback and know your time progression.
Because you are young and life has not distracted you yet, and if you are serious, I would make a determined effort to get your times down as close to a qualifying standard ASAP. I would say that this hard push would expose your ability to contend at the elite level. With good records of your workouts, time trials etc. Elite coaches should be able to give you the good or bad news. Hopefully you can work under them and be swimming with fast swimmers.
Don't "wonder" for the next 5 years and put your life on standby only to find out you can't do it 5 years from now. Try and have a good idea in 2-3 years from now. Once you know you have the ability, you can relax a bit because you will now have the self confidence and work towards peaking for 2012.
You will need to be able to train without injury, or at least be able to deal with injuries (likely) correctly. This involves a good team of sports physicians intimate with swimming.
Think long and hard about what the sacrifices will be. I don't think working a regular job would really make sense. Certainly not as you get closer to trials. No "job" would be better.
Who is your support group? Will they put up with the training? You will be cranky.
Just some thoughts.
It is possible but it takes great coaching and a lot of personal desire and talent.
I think this is key, too. Honestly, making Trials requires a lot of talent. I worked my butt off in the pool all the way through college and never got anywhere close to Trials cuts.
I agree, Matt. There are cases where swimmers who have only been swimming for a few years have made Trials. The fact that hundreds of swimmer do make Trials cuts proves it can be done. My only point is it's about a lot more than just hard work.
Just wanted to point out, not only does your speed depend on your training, it also depends on your stroke technique, mental strength, personality, genetics, etc. If any one of these things is lacking, you won't make it to Trials. Give it your best shot, and even if you don't make the cut, know that you did your absolute best.
A lot of good advice in here.......I think Beth hit one of the most important points.....Find a "GOOD" Coach!!! This can make a huge difference. Always pay attention to the road you just left behind, it directly influences the road you take ahead. It's all about the Journey!!!!!!
Good Luck!!!!!
Keep us posted!!!!
