Hello there,
I am a late bloomer in swimming because I was not exposed to the sport until the Beijing Olympics... I started swimming with a swim club back in 2008 and I love swimming for all its worth. I'll be joining two swim clubs this coming fall twice a day - three times a week (ie. morning and evening). I'll also be taking swimming lessons at a local community centre (can't afford private centres). However, I'll be turning 21 years old by next month! It's not a problem but I feel it's a big obstacle because many athletic swimmers are exposed to the sport since they were kids compared to me who recently just started. I want to swim competitively as soon I become a competitive swimmer (obviously)... by then I would love to join a varsity team at a university... then again is that too ambitious? I never focused on a sport until now and I am really motivated to do this. What should I do? Is this a reasonable goal to achieve?
BTW: I also love to run... I don't get easily as tired and I could pretty much run all day if I want to... So, I'm starting to routinely run in the morning and in the evening. Am I pushing myself too hard?
PS: Im from Canada, if there is any difference in terms of potential of reasonable expectations of Canada/US varsity swim teams.
Let me know your thoughts about my situation. :agree:
It really depends on what level of swimming program you are talking about, and even the individual school. Would you be able to walk on at Texas or Auburn - probably not, unless your times are much faster then would be thought of a "new swimmer".
Alot of Division 2 and 3 university teams are not "ultra competitive" - in fact, because they do not offer scholarships, many have an open door policy to at least come swim and see if you can hang.
My recommendation would be to swim a few USMS meets and see how you feel and how you do. A good deal of master's swimmers are ex college/university team members, or at least good high school/club swimmers. It will be a good gauge to see how ready you are to compete at that level. Good luck!
It really depends on what level of swimming program you are talking about, and even the individual school. Would you be able to walk on at Texas or Auburn - probably not, unless your times are much faster then would be thought of a "new swimmer".
Alot of Division 2 and 3 university teams are not "ultra competitive" - in fact, because they do not offer scholarships, many have an open door policy to at least come swim and see if you can hang.
My recommendation would be to swim a few USMS meets and see how you feel and how you do. A good deal of master's swimmers are ex college/university team members, or at least good high school/club swimmers. It will be a good gauge to see how ready you are to compete at that level. Good luck!
