9 Year Old Marvel What? But How?

Former Member
Former Member
Hey everyone, wasn't sure were to put this questions so I decided to place it here. I also wanted to get some opinions from knowlageable swimmers like yourselves so I hope you don't mind me asking this. Here's the story.. My daughter is 9 years old and has been competing for about 8 months but taking swimming lessons since the age of 3. She's extremely descent for her age (about 35 seconds 50 free, 43 seconds 50 fly, 45 seconds 50 back and 43 seconds 50 ***) just to give you an idea. I decided to pull her off the current team as I feel he was not improving enough as her coach did very little technique training and put her in private lessons with someone I think can really help her learn the little things to make her faster. Anyways, here is the other thing. During her swim meets I noticed another 9 year old girl who is swimming with times such as 32 seconds 50 free, 32 seconds 50 fly, 38 seconds 50 *** ect and could not believe it. Keep in mind this girl JUST turned 9! My question is this, How is it that a 9 year old child can swim times as fast as many of the top 11, 12 or 13 year olds? Is this a freak of nature? Is it just good coaching? Physical strength? or what. I did not think it was possible for kids this age to swim so fast. Is there any hope for my daughter to "catch up" to kids like this? I would like to know everyones opinion on youth marvels like this. I believe this kids has gotten as fast as she will get but that's my own personal opinion. She is sort of short and perhaps as she matures other kids will eventually get taller and stronger and catch up to her times? If you were in my shoes what would YOU do with your daughter to help her attain these kinds of times? Thanks
Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    When I was 9, I was a 30 in the 50 yard free. When I was 12 I was only a 26. When I was 14 I was only a 25. So I started out a phenom but dropped off compared to my peers quickly. If I had to guess why, it was because, when I was young I wanted to beat my sister and trained a little harder than most 9 year olds. When I was in college I coached private lessons for kids who were in similar situation as you. Disatisfied parents looking for alternatives to the club program. I had a couple of rules that I tried to follow: 1) I wouldn't teach anyone under age 11 2) I would supplement not replace club practices. I didn't always live up to my standards (college kids want money more than moral fortitude), but I think they are pretty sound. I am not saying you are misguided, just telling you to be careful. Oh and I agree wtih Geek that 1200 is not enough yardage. Ask the coach to justify why the small amount of yardage. He/She might have a good reason.
Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    When I was 9, I was a 30 in the 50 yard free. When I was 12 I was only a 26. When I was 14 I was only a 25. So I started out a phenom but dropped off compared to my peers quickly. If I had to guess why, it was because, when I was young I wanted to beat my sister and trained a little harder than most 9 year olds. When I was in college I coached private lessons for kids who were in similar situation as you. Disatisfied parents looking for alternatives to the club program. I had a couple of rules that I tried to follow: 1) I wouldn't teach anyone under age 11 2) I would supplement not replace club practices. I didn't always live up to my standards (college kids want money more than moral fortitude), but I think they are pretty sound. I am not saying you are misguided, just telling you to be careful. Oh and I agree wtih Geek that 1200 is not enough yardage. Ask the coach to justify why the small amount of yardage. He/She might have a good reason.
Children
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