Always win, swim for fun!

Always swim to win. Why don't I swim in master meets??? If I don't come first they give out ribbons for the non winners in the last masters meet I swam in. I want gold or money. I happened to come second in a fly race and was beat by a guy who I knew 50 years ago who was a virtual non swimmer 50 years ago. He was the world record holder for the fly in my masters age group.

I think it is useful to go back to first principles: what is the goal for participation in sport? For some the goal is to produce the best possible national team for the Olympics. For some the goals are about staying or becoming healthy and fit. If your goals are about health and fitness then rewarding participation makes perfect sense. I think the idea that there are winners and losers in "real life" is also a bit dangerous. Contrary to the "second place is the first loser" philosophy, I don't think that the person that comes in seventh at the Olympics is a loser any more than I think the CEO of the seventh biggest company in the world or the seventh richest person in the world is a loser. I think that any system that produces a tiny tiny number of "winners" and huge masses of "losers" is dysfunctional.

, I don't think that the person that comes in seventh at the Olympics is a loser any more than I think the CEO of the seventh biggest company in the world or the seventh richest person in the world is a loser. I think that any system that produces a tiny tiny number of "winners" and huge masses of "losers" is dysfunctional. Right, and this is really about personal perception.

Again, I'm in no way discouting your opinions, but you sound like Oprah--just think in a positive manner and good things will happen. Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment. I really admire Oprah for what she is doing with her life. Look, the joy of reaching a personal goal comes from a place of abundance, and that's why it feels so good. Anyone can have that feeling, and that's the subtle greatness behind sport. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not positive all the time. It's just that if I'm going to post my inner thoughts on a public forum I'd rather record what is good in me. Anyone can complain, and anyone can point out what is wrong with life. Problems have always been around, but a real winner brings solutions to the table.

"There is nothing wrong with the way you are now" does not conflict with "there is always room for improvement." I was lucky enough to be an Olympian but did not think to compete was better then winning. I was dissapointed after the Olympics because I went there to win. You would have been happier if you won, but I'm guessing you still take pride in being an Olympian. I think Miller is trying to address the attitude (especially by overzealous sports parents) that if you don't win it all, then you are nothing. Which is a sure-fire ticket to self-loathing. :frustrated:

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

Swim for fun, and always win... Personal goals first, Win races second.

I don't know if you are a parent or not - but for some kids, at an early age, the participant ribbon has some value. A 6 or 7 yr. old understands winning a race, but they may not properly comprehend losing. Sometimes that little ribbon is just enough to not complain about going to swim practice in the morning. At some point - it has to stop and the kid starts to realize that if they want an award they have to earn it by doing more than just participating. Amen to that. I coached a summer league team for 11 years and those 5-7 year olds need those participant ribbons. It was what kept them coming to practice and encouraged! Once they get older 8 and up, they can grasp the concept of winning/losing. I agree that that is a life lesson they need to learn and they need to link hard work with results/improvement. ....another priceless life lesson.

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." Theodore Roosevelt ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES! Thanks for sharing it!

It is absurdly reductionist to classify everyone who is not #1 in the world as a "resounding loser." Yes, no one deserves praise for getting out of bed and leading life and being "you," but sheesh. I suck at many things ... like calculus and gourmet cooking and basketball ... but I don't go around hanging a "loser" label around my neck. You are what you think ... The bottom line is that even though you might not "win" an event, you can still have a fabulous time at a swim meet and reach your personal goals. Loser, while perhaps technically accurate at times, is such a prejorative term. A kid will glean that hard work, determination, resiliency, and talent are the key factors without being called a "loser" or being ridiculously molly-coddled with constant praise.