I wasn't a competitive swimmer growing up, I come from a running background and it wasn't until I got into triathlon and open water swimming did I really train and compete, but nothing near the level of many of you on this forum. Sadly swimming doesn't get the respect or attention as other more mainstream sports in the US, but I know many young swimmers at the high school and collegiate level and know very well how dedicated they are and the crazy amount of training they do. The ironic thing is that as intense a lifestyle it can be, you all are a very happy, funny bunch that seem to really love your sport. I was watching a few interviews from the FINA Grand Prix from Long Beach, Calif., and everyone they interviewed laughed, giggled, joked around, got nervous or embarrassed when complimented and just seemed to be enjoying themselves. This is a really nice departure from the millionaire pro athletes with over inflated egos and their constant chest pounding. I greatly look forward to the summer Olympics every 4 years just to watch the swimming events. So though it may seem like no one gives you credit for you hard work, I have more respect for competitive swimmers than any other athletes.
Parents
Former Member
I predict that any sport other than something like skiing (with the beautiful vistas and hot groupies factor), that has a reality show attached to it, will kill the sport. The reason is, let's face it, 99% of what a top athlete does is train, eat, sleep, train. Almost anything looks boring in that light.
From the listing for the swimming reality show, "Swim, You B@st@rd, Swim": "In this week's installment, 16 year old Sally Smith does 12,000 yards and treats her recurrent athlete's foot problem - a problem that doctors say, if left untreated for a month or so, could make her socks smell BAD. She winds up in tears at the dryness of her hair and we see her pleading to her parents for them to spring for regular hot oil treatments. She goes to bed at 9 PM and dreams of kissing a lifeguard."
3 weeks of that and swimming would fold-up like a cheap set of 100 count Wal-Mart bedsheets.
-LBJ
I predict that any sport other than something like skiing (with the beautiful vistas and hot groupies factor), that has a reality show attached to it, will kill the sport. The reason is, let's face it, 99% of what a top athlete does is train, eat, sleep, train. Almost anything looks boring in that light.
From the listing for the swimming reality show, "Swim, You B@st@rd, Swim": "In this week's installment, 16 year old Sally Smith does 12,000 yards and treats her recurrent athlete's foot problem - a problem that doctors say, if left untreated for a month or so, could make her socks smell BAD. She winds up in tears at the dryness of her hair and we see her pleading to her parents for them to spring for regular hot oil treatments. She goes to bed at 9 PM and dreams of kissing a lifeguard."
3 weeks of that and swimming would fold-up like a cheap set of 100 count Wal-Mart bedsheets.
-LBJ
